Attorney general forced to quit

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: Pakistan’s attorney general Anwar Mansoor Khan on Thursday resigned after an uproar by the legal fraternity over his controversial remarks against judges of the supreme court.

Khan reportedly used contemptuous words on Tuesday against some members of the full bench of the apex court which is hearing the case about proceeding to remove Qazi Faez Essa, another judge of the top court.

The court ordered to expunge Khan’s remarks from the record. However, lawyers demanded his resignation.

The government on Thursday submitted a response to the apex court regarding Khan’s remarks, saying that the statements by Khan were unauthorised and without the knowledge of the federal government.

Khan submitted his resignation to Pakistan President Arif Alvi, saying he should be relieved of responsibilities immediately.

“I note with profound regret that the Pakistan bar council, of which I am the chairman, has demanded through its press release dated February 19, 2020 that I resign forthwith from the office of the attorney general of Pakistan,” he wrote in the resignation letter.

Pakistan bar council vicechairman Abid Saqi asked Khan to submit an unconditional written apology along with his resignation for his “unbecoming conduct” and announced to file contempt of court petition against the attorney general and the law minister. Khan was appointed AG on August 31, 2018.

SOYBEAN DUST, NOT GAS, KILLED 14: GOVT

Soybean dust from shipping containers - not toxic gas from a leak - was responsible for the deaths of 14 people in Karachi this week, a health official said.

Zafar Mahdi, a senior health official, said lab tests on blood taken from patients who suffered severe breathing problems showed soybean dust led to the 14 deaths and illness of hundreds of others. He said the soybean dust causes respiratory-related illnesses.