RECORDER REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has rejected reports of premier intelligence agencies on Faizabad sit-in which resulted in bringing the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) to a standstill for 20 days.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Monday heard a suo motu case on the Faizabad sit-in.
Justice Faez raised questions: “What the ISI is doing as it doesn’t know about income sources of Khadim Hussain Rizvi, Chairman Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Ullah (TLYR)?” The ISI does not know what the people in the country are doing?”
Justice Faez said: “Now I fear for the country if the premier intelligence agency of the country is unaware of sources of income and the bank accounts of Rizvi.” He asked who built Pakistan and then stated it took long time to build this country, adding it is being destroyed.
Justice Faez said despite repeated notices, the agencies could not find out Rizvi’s sources of income.
Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Sohail Mehmood said that Rizvi is a corrupt man. Justice Qazi asked how and who provided funds to Rizvi. He further inquired whether Rizvi has bank accounts and whether or not he pays income tax, what his sources of livelihood are whether he is school teacher or a businessman.
DAG Sohail Mehmood stated that Rizvi is a Khateeb, adding that the Khateebs are normally paid by the government.
Director Legal Ministry of Defense Col Falak Naz (retd) said that Rizvi has formed a political party. Justice Faez then remarked for that one must have some resources. Falak Naz also said that the party collects funds from people.
Justice Mushir Alam remarked that there should have been some mechanism. He asked: “How much funds has he [Rizvi] collected?”
According to an ISI report, generous donations by people from across society, especially the Barelvi sect, sustained the sit-in. “It is reported that Khadim Rizvi raised over Rs10 million before starting the march. He encouraged his followers either to accompany the march or contribute Rs300 per person.”
A large number of registered seminaries affiliated with the group raised large sums in donations. During the sit-in, many affluent persons from across the globe also contributed to him financially. The report also says that food was also provided by the owner of TV Channel 92, Mian Abdul Rasheed of Faisalabad.
The joint director IB filed the document based on newspaper clippings and said it is confidential. Justice Mushir asked how a report that has already been published by newspapers could be treated as confidential.
Hafiz SA Rehman appearing on behalf of PEMRA sought time for filing a report on the sit-in.
