Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday halted a probe by the government's anti-graft watchdog against the chief justice's son, who was accused of receiving over Rs 342 million from a real estate tycoon to influence cases, and ordered formation of a commission to investigate the matter.
Leaders of the ruling Pakistan People's Party believe that the allegations of corruption levelled against Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry's son have some link to the Supreme Court's decision to disqualify Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The application, filed by Arsalan Iftikhar's counsel in the supreme court, called for the registration of an FIR against Malik Riaz Hussain, owner of Bahria Town real estate firm, for alleging that he possessed photos and video footage of Iftikhar's visits to London that were allegedly paid for by the tycoon's relatives
In a controversial move, the chief justice himself headed a three-judge bench that initiated suo moto proceedings after TV news channels reported the alleged links between Iftikhar and Hussain, one of Pakistan's richest men.
Will the charges of bribery against his son by a real estate tycoon force Pakistan Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to step down? Amir Mir reports from Islamabad.
Pakistan's supreme court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry on Thursday rescued himself from a case against his son Arsalan Iftikhar, who allegedly received up to Rs 400 million from tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain to influence cases in the apex court.
While accusing Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry of holding secret meetings with him, real estate tycoon Malik Riaz has said there is no free judiciary in the country and it is run by 'don' Arsalan Iftikhar, Chaudhary's son, reports Tahir Ali
A day after claiming he had "bomb-like" evidence against the son of the Pakistan chief justice, a real estate tycoon on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that his relatives had paid a whopping Rs 342.5 million to Arsalan Iftikhar, including for losses he incurred while gambling. =
With the country riveted on the sensational case that could have far-reaching ramifications, a business tycoon has told the Pakistan Supreme Court that he will present evidence against the son of the chief justice "that will be like bombs". The case involves Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry's son Arsalan Iftikhar, who has been accused of having been paid up to Rs 400 million by real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain, said to be under treatment in London.