Ombudsman appointment: Additional charge to Suleman Farooqi slap on parliament face, says SC

ISLAMABAD, (monitoring desk): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has remarked President promulgated ordinance to allow benefit to an individual.
He gave these remarks while presiding over a 3- member of Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of Wafaqi Mohtasib appointment case here Tuesday.
The CJP remarked “ Suleman Farooqi matter will be referred to FIA. President made amendment to benefit one person. Government could seek approval from the parliament. Presently we will review the record.

Justice Jawad S Khawaja remarked “ promulgation of ordinance by the president to hand over additional charge of Wafaqi Mohtasib (ombudsman) to Suleman Farooqi  is slap on the face of parliament. As to why the ordinance was promulgated. It is beyond my comprehension that jobs like this are also done.
At the outset of the hearing, Wasim Sajjad counsel for Suleman Farooqi took the plea that parliament issued act of reforms on March, 20 and the president promulgated ordinance on March, 22 in this respect under which secretary general  Suleman Farooqi could hold  additional charge of Wafaqi Mohtasib.
The court expressed annoyance over it remarking if any deficiency was left then approval could be obtained from parliament on this count. It will be proper that Suleman Farooqi appears in the court in person in this case and explain his position. This is tantamount to by pass the parliament. President took the step to this extent to provide benefit to one person. We will review the record first of all.  Case will be sent to FIA on the matters of  date of appointment and for clarification.
Justice Jawad observed “why the need was felt to show such haste in handing over the additional charge through this ordinance.
CJP remarked “ amendment was made to retain Suleman Farooqi secretary general to the president.
Wasim Sajjad said Suleman Farooqi wants to appear in the court in person therefore any date may please be fixed during the month of August in this regard  as his wife is seriously ill and he is abroad in connection with her treatment. He will return home in the month of August.
The court adjourned the hearing till August , 1 and ordered that Suleman Farooqi should appear in the court in person on next hearing.