ISLAMABAD – On Monday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a notice to the Attorney General on the admissibility of a petition requesting the formation of a commission to probe the purported audio leak of former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar.
During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah stated that Pakistan often surprises us with something new. He went on to say that we live in a world where social media is unregulated.
Previously, the IHC dismissed a contempt of court petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
While announcing the reserved judgement, IHC CJ Athar Minallah ruled that Advocate Kulsoom’s plea was inadmissible. Just criticising Saqib Nisar does not constitute contempt of court. It is the role of the courts to achieve justice for the victims, he continued.
The CJ went on to say that an impartial judge is never swayed by criticism. Judges are no longer a part of any court after retirement, thus contempt of court is not for the average man, he said.
Athar Minallah further stated that the ex-CJP was slandered in his personal capacity.
It should be noted that the high court took notice of the disclosures made by former chief justice of Gilgit Baltistan Rana Muhammad Shamim about PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz and summoned all parties, including Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan, in his personal role.
A contempt of court notice was also delivered on the former Chief Justice of Gilgit Baltistan.
“I trust each and every judge of the court,” said IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah. Judges can be held responsible and criticised as well. If people quit believing the courts, a climate of scepticism will prevail in society.”
Athar Minallah informed the that he had also received reaction on social media. He also told the journalist to read the title of his report. The IHC CJ inquired as to where the old judge had notarized this affidavit, as it was not part of any court record.