Memogate: Traitor on the run; Panel to conclude without Haqqani's statement

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ISLAMABAD - Contrary to earlier assertions, the Judicial Commission, probing the memogate scam, passed no orders or stricture against Husain Haqqani for not appearing in person to record his testimony. Resuming the hearing on Thursday at Islamabad High Court, the Commission expressed its anger over Haqqani’s behaviour; however, it issued no warrant after it became clear it would not be implemented by any foreign country. The Commission also did not order attachment of Haqqani’s property. Haqqani’s lawyer, Zahid Bukhari told the court that his client was receiving serious threats from some quarters and it was not possible for him to come back. Bukhari also mentioned his client’s health problems, which were among major hurdles in the way to Haqqani’s travelling to Pakistan.

However, Commission’s head Justice Qazi Faez Essa confronted Haqqani’s lawyer and said if a large number of lawyers from across the globe can come to Pakistan to attend a conference, which means they had no security concern, then Haqqani could come too. “A large number of lawyers and legal experts came to Pakistan to attend a judicial conference. They had no safety concerns. How can Husain Haqqani, the national of this country, refuse to travel to his homeland citing security concerns? It’s amazing! Isn’t it?”, Justice Qazi said. On Thursday, revealing the ridiculous details of Haqqani’s property, Zahid Bukhari told the Commission that his multi-billionaire client has a bank account having only Rs. 0.15 Million, expecting the Pakistanis to buy into this rubbish.

Zahid Bukhari told the Commission that his client was "afraid" of losing his life as local agencies were hostile against him, therefore Commission should not put his life in danger by asking him to appear in person. He didn't say that his client was afraid of facing treason charges face to face because he was guilty. ‘Please do not put my client’s life in danger by asking him to appear before the Commission in person. Commission can record his testimony though a video link from Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington’, Bukhari said. Analysts believe the Commission will now reach conclusions without Haqqani’s statement - an option that Haqqani’s lawyer had presented several times during the past three hearings.

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