RIM refuses to hand over memo data to commission
17 January, 2012
ISLAMABAD: The judicial commission probing the memogate controversy was informed on Monday that the Canadian manufacturers of BlackBerry devices - Research in Motion (RIM) – had refused to share details of the messages exchanged between Mansoor Ijaz and former ambassador to United States Husain Haqqani. Mansoor Ijaz through his counsel also requested the judicial commission to give him time till January 24 for his appearance before it, which the commission accepted and adjourned the meeting. The commission also rejected Husain Haqqani's plea to force Mansoor Ijaz to stay in Pakistan till the completion of its proceedings. It also dismissed the application regarding registration of a case against the American businessman, who happens to be the main assures in the case. Justice Qazi Faiz Isa observed that the commission could work properly only when Mansoor Ijaz appeared before it. The commission consisting of three chief justices of high courts held a meeting on Monday at the Islamabad High Court. During the meeting, Akram Sheikh, the counsel for Mansoor Ijaz, appeared before the commission and said his client had serious reservation over the statement made by senior government leaders against him. He said the change of the defence secretary had created concerns for his client, who expected to be protected by the army during his stay in Pakistan. He also told the commission that Mansoor Ijaz would submit an application in Switzerland for seeking a visa later in the day. Sheikh said if his client fails to appear before commission till January 24, he would not contest the case. The commission then instructed Attorney General of Pakistan Anwarul Haq to issue a visa to Mansoor Ijaz on an urgent basis and ensure his security. The commission also asked him to provide additional security to Husain Haqqani. Meanwhile, Zahid Hussain Bukhari, the counsel for Haqqani, claimed that Mansoor Ijaz would never come to Pakistan, adding that the American businessman was trying to create confrontation among state institutions. He also said that it was a matter of grave concern that the person who had written against the army and the ISI was now seeking security from them (army and ISI). Bukhari also requested the commission to proceed against him, as he did not appear before it despite specific directions. He said that Mansoor Ijaz was using delaying tactics, as he had no solid evidence. "Why the commission is giving so much relaxation to him (Ijaz)?" the counsel questioned, adding that the memo was a conspiracy against the incumbent democratic government. Bukhari also submitted the email address and model number of Haqqani's BlackBerry smartphone. Akram Sheikh reminded the commission that the Supreme Court had authorised it to go abroad for the collection of evidence pertaining to the memo. Justice Isa said the attorney general had assured the commission that Mansoor Ijaz would be provided security upon his arrival and during his stay in Pakistan, and that no cases would be registered against him. "We are giving you a last chance, you will not get another chance," said Justice Isa told Akram Sheikh. Meanwhile, the attorney general stated that the federation was fully committed to providing security to Mansoor Ijaz upon his arrival. Earlier, the BlackBerry makers refused to release data related to the memogate scandal. The phone manufacturers said their privacy laws strictly prohibited disclosure of a customer's data to any other party without the consent of the parties concerned, thus Pakistan cannot have it. End.
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