In Islamabad on Thursday, developer Zahid Rafiq admitted before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) that he had arranged £5,000 for the daughter of retired Supreme Court judge Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, who is facing misconduct references. Rafiq, the owner of multiple companies including Lahore Smart City (Pvt) Ltd and Future Development Holding (Pvt) Ltd, explained that the money was provided to help with an emergency, and was arranged through a friend in the UAE.
The SJC, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, is conducting proceedings against Justice Naqvi, who resigned on Jan 10 but still faces ten references. Rafiq testified that the judge did not repay the amount, and instead made an adjustment from the accounts of another businessman, Mohammad Safdar Khan, who had purchased a property from Naqvi.
Rafiq also stated that his company had allotted plots at discounted rates to Naqvi’s sons in Islamabad and Lahore. The sons made a down payment but have not paid the balance amount. Rafiq explained that these allotments were made at the request of Safdar, who has been working with him for ten years. Additionally, the company had provided a legal adviser position and a monthly salary to one of Naqvi’s sons.
During the proceedings, the CJP questioned Rafiq’s relationship with Safdar, and pointed out the large payment made to another individual at Safdar’s request. Rafiq stated that he was not aware of the details, and attributed most decisions to Safdar.
Justice Naqvi, in a new letter to the SJC, declined to participate in the proceedings but reserved the right to address his grievances at a later time. The letter expressed frustration with the handling of the case and the alleged misrepresentation of facts in meeting minutes.