ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has served notices to Ali Musa Gilani, the Prime Minister's son, and two federal secretaries in Ephedrine quota allotment case and ordered the probe into the case to be continued after staying the transfers of Brig Fahim and Abid Zulfiqar, members of the investigation team.
A three-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry heard the case of allotment of Ephedrine, a chemical used in medicines, in excess to the allowed quota.
During proceedings of the case, Brig Faheem of ANF, who was removed from the investigating team, appeared before the court along with his team.
The Chief Justice enquired as to why changes had to be made to the investigative team, saying 'perhaps a VIP is involved in the case'.
Brig Faheem told the court that former secretary health Khushnood Lashari, who is now the principal secretary of the Prime Minister, had allotted Ephedrine in excess to the allowed limit.
He said the ANF had issued summons for Lashari and Ali Musa Gilani, after which Lashari invited him (Brig Faheem) for a meeting in PM House.
In the affidavit, Brig Faheem said Khushnood Lashari had in a threatening tone informed him that Ali Musa Gilani's father was upset over his summoning by the court.
"Cooperation would be extended in the case to the ANF, if it keeps its focus on only two pharmaceutical companies, leaving others aside," Faheem quoted Khushnood as saying.
Khushnood Lashari, he continued, further said: "You know, the civil-military relations had only recently seen some improvement and it is you who can pre-empt a fresh stand-of from taking place. It is a matter of national interest. Ali Musa Gilani be kept out of it."
Brig Faheem further informed the court that the law secretary along with entire state machinery were trying to save Khushnood Lashari and Ali Musa Gilani in this case.
The court issued notices to Ali Musa Gilani and Khushnood Lashari, ordering them to present themselves for ANF's investigation and also record their statements.
It issued notices to secretary anti-narcotics, acting health secretary besides the two concerned companies.
Later, the court adjourned its proceedings till April 20.
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