SC rejects PPP leader’s apology for derogatory remarks against CJP

The Supreme Court on Friday rejected PPP leader Masoodur Rehman Abbasi’s apology over his insulting remarks about the Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed.

Abbasi, who is facing contempt of court charges, had appeared before a four-member bench of the apex court to answer for his outburst. A suo motu notice had been taken by the SC over the matter.

The PPP leader submitted a written apology to the top court, after Justice Umar Ata Bandial, who is heading the bench reviewing the case, asked Abbasi earlier this week to submit his response in writing. Bandial said that a verbal statement from the PPP leader would not help in deciding the case. 

Abbasi made derogatory remarks in public against the judiciary last month over the removal of encroachments in Karachi as seen on videos that circulated on social media.

Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi wondered at whose behest the PPP leader uttered the words against the chief justice and asked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to find out who had tasked him with this.

“Such a speech is not possible without a well thought out plan,” the judge said.

FIA officials present at the hearing said they are in the process of interrogating Abbasi and “would not spare” the people who had persuaded him to make such remarks.