ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ordered to remove Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Health Dr. Zafar Mirza in a suo-moto case over the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
A five-member bench headed by the chief justice and comprising Justice Umar Atta Bandial, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Mandukhel, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin heard first suo-moto case on Monday since the coronavirus pandemic shook the nation.
Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed expressed his displeasure over the performance of the federal government in handling the coronavirus pandemic. During the hearing, CJP questioned the credentials of Dr. Zafar Mirza and ordered the removal of the special assistant.
During the hearing, the CJP lashed out at the federal government and remarked, “There is an army of special assistants having authority the same as federal ministers.”
CJP also remarked that five-question were asked from the government team but the team was unable to satisfy the court with even a single answer. The CJP further remarked that there is a lack of consensus when it comes to dealing with the virus to which the Attorney General replied, “It is happening because of the 18th amendment.”
CJP further remarked that the provincial governments could not function without the cooperation of the federal government. “We need leadership in such situations,” he stated.
Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed said, “We have been very careful in giving remarks. The government team only gave statistics to the court.”
Moreover, Justice Qazi Ameen inquired, “What measures have been taken by the government to maintain social distance among people?” to which AG replied that the police and military cannot force 2.2 million people to maintain social distance. “The public itself is responsible for maintaining social distance,” replied AG.
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