ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar remarked onTuesday that the apex court wants to assist the government in bringing backfunds taken out of the country and parked in foreign bank accounts.

The chief justice made the remarks while heading a three-member benchhearing a suo motu case of foreign bank accounts held by Pakistanis. Duringthe hearing, the chief justice observed that the court will not rush thecase, as it seeks to see how the capital taken abroad can be brought backto the country.

Justice Umar Ata Bandiyal remarked that money is taken out from illegalchannels and brought back legally, adding that dollars are bought in theopen market and everything is ‘pured’.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan observed that if money changers are given a decentpercentage, they can arrange the foreign exchange.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Tariq Bajwa informed the court that theNational Accountability Bureau has requested countries for assistance. Headded that it will take time to verify foreign assets of Pakistanis.

Bajwa further said that a law is needed to control strictly the operationsof foreign currency exchange companies.

The chief justice remarked that chartered accountants will not aid thecourt in getting back the money. “We will not run away from Pakistan. Weintend to leave a country for our children where they can be happy andsatisfied,” Chief Justice Nisar observed.

During the hearing, the chief justice observed that it can call the richest100 Pakistanis in court and ask them to provide details of their assets.