ISLAMABAD, FEB 20 (DNA) :  The federal government has distanced itself from the statement given by Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan, who resigned from his post on Thursday, a day after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the AG to tender an apology or present some material to support the remarks he made.

The law ministry has submitted a response on behalf of the government stating that the oral statement made by the AG was “unauthorized, without instructions and knowledge of the federal government and the answering respondents, and totally uncalled for”.

“It is pointed out that the federal government of Pakistan and the answering respondents hold the superior judiciary for Pakistan in the highest respect and esteem.

“Accordingly, the federal government and the answering respondents dissociate themselves from the statement of the learned attorney general,” the response read.

“The federal government and the answering respondents verily believe in the rule of law, constitutionalism and the independence of judiciary,” it added.

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Farogh Naseem said the federal government had asked AG Anwar Mansoor to quit.

The law minister said the government respects courts and maintained that Anwar Mansoor gave statement before the SCP without the government’s permission while representing it.

Mr Naseem said the government had told the attorney general that it would be better if he submits his resignation himself.

Earlier today, Anwar Mansoor forwarded his resignation to President Dr. Arif Alvi stating, “I note with profound regret that the Pakistan Bar Council, of which I am the Chairman, has demanded through its Press Release dated 19th of February 2020 that I resign forthwith from the Office of the Attorney-General for Pakistan.

“[…] I hereby resign from the position of the Attorney-General for Pakistan and request you to accept it with immediate effect. In the last year and a half, I worked to the best of my ability to serve this solemn office with honesty of purpose, and commitment to upholding the constitution.

“I wish my successor the very best of success and pray that God may continue to shower His countless blessings on our motherland and nation.”

Who is Anwar Mansoor?

On August 31, 2018, Anwar Mansoor was reappointed as the attorney general for the second time. He earlier served in this position during Pakistan Peoples Party’s tenure. He resigned from the post on April 2, 2010.

He was commissioned as an officer in the Pakistan Army in 1971, fought the 1971 war, and resigned in 1973. In 1971, he became a prisoner of war.

In October 2000, he was appointed as the judge of the Sindh High Court, but resigned from the position on Oct 3, 2001, to rejoin law practice.