Former Pakistan Chief Justice Iftikhar Ahmed Chaudhary’s son has resigned as the vice chairman of Board of Investment Balochistan (BIB) after nearly two weeks into the job, following a raging controversy over his appointment.
Arsalan Iftikhar sent his resignation to Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch, who had appointed him as the BIB vice chairman — an honorary post sans salary and allowances — on June 21, government sources said today.
The Chief Minister initially defended his appointment but gave in after increasing criticism from within his own party, the National Party (NP). His sudden appointment as the vice chairman had triggered a lot of controversy and was met with criticism since Arsalan was implicated in a financial impropriety case in 2012.
Iftikhar Ahmed Chaudhary, then Chief Justice, had taken a suo moto notice on media reports alleging Arsalan had received over Rs 300 million from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz to influence judicial proceedings.
Serious questions were raised over whether Arsalan had misused his father’s position for personal benefits for
himself and his family. The ruling NP had termed the provincial government’s appointment as incorrect and wrong after it drew severe criticism from other political parties.
“NP accepts that Arsalan Iftikhar’s appointment is wrong,” party’s chief senator Hasil Bizenjo told the media and said the party had decided to review his appointment. The opposition to Arsalan’s appointment from within the
party was a major blow to Chief Minister Baloch, who had earlier said in a provincial assembly session, “I appointed Arsalan Iftikhar, and if someone has any complaint they can speak to me.”
Interestingly, Arsalan had earlier told the ‘News’ newspaper that he was planning to hold open bidding for the
Reko Dero gold mines — a high-profile but controversial project that his father had taken up in a suo moto case when he was the chief justice. PTI