The Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended the Lahore High Court’s orders for the release of Inamur Rahim after the apex court was informed that the retired colonel and an advocate for the recovery of missing persons is part of a spy network operating in the country.
Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan told the court that the former colonel has violated the Official Secret Act, 1923, by leaking information concerning the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the country’s nuclear programme. “He is a part of a network of spies. Some of his accomplices have been arrested while others will be detained soon,” he said.
During the proceedings, Justice Mushir Alam asked the basis on which the case (against Rahim) had been formed, in response to which the attorney general said a lot of material has been found on a laptop. “There must be some reason for the arrest,” Justice Alam contended, adding that as per the law, it is necessary to share the grounds for an arrest so that the nature of the crime can be determined. “Listen to the case in chambers, I am ready to tell [you] everything,” said the attorney general.
Apex court suspends LHC orders for release of advocate detained by law enforcement agencies
According to the attorney general, Rahim had information about nuclear weapons, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and ‘some people’. “You mean to say that he had information which he shared with the enemy?” asked Justice Mansoor Ali Shah. “Yes, Colonel Inamur Rahim is a spy,” said the attorney general, adding that there is a whole network behind him and many individuals from that ring are wanted.
Justice Alam then inquired about the investigation progress, in response to which Khan said till the completion of investigations, he is not at liberty to say anything regarding the court martial. Khan said once investigations are completed, Rahim will have full rights. He said the detained advocate will be denied permission to meet family members during the investigation period.
The bench noted that on prima facie, the evidence against Rahim was conclusive, and also suspended an earlier Lahore High Court (LHC) order for the release of Rahim. On Thursday, the LHC’s Rawalpindi bench had declared the detention of Rahim to be illegal and ordered military authorities to release him immediately. Following this, the federal government on Saturday approached the Supreme Court to challenge the high court’s verdict.
