ISLAMABAD:
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has highlighted the issue of monetary corruption in various institutions including judiciary, noting that he knows exactly which of “our judges” are corrupt.
“I know exactly how money is being collected in institutions. Does the deputy commissioner not know who among his staff is corrupt?
“Even the courts are part of this corrupt system. I know well which of our judges are involved. If they had the authority, they would legalise bribery,” the IHC senior puisne judge said while hearing a case related to the recruitment of patwarisland record officers.
During the hearing, Justice Kayani expressed strong displeasure at the district administration over non-compliance with the court’s order regarding the recruitment of patwaris on vacant posts in the federal capital.
A report containing details of alleged corruption and bribery in patwar offices was submitted to the court. Justice Kayani commented that he had seen the report and lamented the current state of affairs.
The report said patwaris had appointed personal clerks and were involved in taking bribes and engaging in corruption. The state counsel assured the court that all the issues would be resolved.
The judge stated that the court had issued an order regarding price determination in a land transaction case, but it has not been implemented. He asked as to why the chief commissioner and deputy commissioner of Islamabad are not enforcing the court’s order.
“The deputy commissioner is part of this system, and I am fully aware of what goes on all day. I can call both the chief commissioner and the deputy commissioner to court and teach them the law in two minutes.”
The judge warned that if his order was not implemented by the next hearing, the deputy commissioner and chief commissioner would appear before the court.
“I am refraining from issuing a strict order today based on your assurance,” Justice Kayani told the state counsel. The court then directed implementation of its order and adjourned the hearing until Monday.
