Pakistan Anti-Corruption Body Refused Arresting PM

The anti-corruption body chief of Pakistan, Fasih Bokhari refused to abide by the order of the Supreme Court to arrest Raja Pervez Ashraf, the Prime Minister of Pakistan on 17 January 2013. Fasih Bokhari refused on the grounds that there were not enough evidences which proved PM’s corruption charges.

The government of Pakistan as well as the Apex Court have remained under tiff in 2012. On 16 January 2013, the Chief Justice demanded the arrest of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on corruption charges. Fasih Bokhari, the chief of the National Accountability Bureau communicated to the Supreme Court that there were not enough evidences to arrest the PM and that more time was required for determining whether the PM should be arrested or not.

In the meanwhile, the Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry questioned the chief regarding the demand of more time.
 
The Supreme Court’s order to arrest the Prime Minister was described as unconstitutional by the Government of Pakistan.  Legal experts in Pakistan also opined that it was not necessary that SC’s order would bring down Ashraf. Legal experts declared that Ashraf could remain a PM despite his arrest and that he could be disqualified only in case he is convicted.