LAHORE, June 16: The Supreme Court Bar Association has called for a greater accountability of all segments of society including politicians, media, military, bureaucrats and lawyers as well.

“An investigation should also be held to expose the beneficiaries of property developer Malik Riaz,” Bar President Yasin Azad said at a press conference on Saturday.

He was flanked by SCBA Vice-President (Punjab) Ms Imrana Baloch, Secretary Aslam Zaar and executive body members.

Speaking of the stance of lawyers on Dr Arsalan and Malik Riaz scam, Mr Azad said the legal fraternity was with the institution of judiciary and the Chief Justice Pakistan. It could not support a contractor, he added.

He said the judiciary and the CJP should not be dragged into the allegations of corruption by his son and Riaz.

Mr Azad said the CJP by taking suo motu notice of the case maintained the independence of judiciary. He said the CJP and the Supreme Court should not be penalised for the deeds of an individual.

He said the SC decision in the Arsalan-Riaz case endorsed the bar’s point of view that a thorough investigation should be held and the guilty be brought to justice. The bar expected that the attorney general and government would ensure a fair investigation of the case, he said and added that its report should be made public.

The SCBA president said the media as fourth pillar was also being accused of corruption; therefore, it was the duty of media persons to hold all black sheep in their ranks accountable. He said the society could not be changed without self-accountability.

He said there was no justification for Malik Riaz to hold the press conference on the sub judice matter.

Mr Azad also condemned arrest of a media organisation’s counsel Nazir Ahmad Khan in Karachi.