ISLAMABAD – The decision to charge former Chief Judge of Gilgit Baltistan Rana Shamim in a contempt of court case was delayed by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday.
During the hearing, the IHC requested the chief judge’s original affidavit once more. The court stated that the parties are allowed to record their responses to Rana Shamim’s statement.
According to the attorney general, the ex-CJ purposely leaked his affidavit, and that the indictment processes can restart once the original document is submitted.
As a result, the hearing has been postponed until December 20.
IHC had previously labelled all of the parties’ responses, including Rana Shamim’s, as unacceptable.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had previously ordered Rana Shamim to submit his original affidavit by December 13 or face being indicted in the case if he failed to do so.
Rana Shamin was questioned by the IHC judge if he acknowledges the substance of the affidavit, to which he replied that he hasn’t seen the document that was presented in this court since the original is kept in his locker in the United Kingdom.
The attorney general thinks it’s odd that the ex-CJ can’t recall what’s in the affidavit. Every day on this court is crucial, he stressed, since it is the “season” of leaks.
The high court had summoned all parties and Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan in his personal capacity in response to revelations made by former chief justice of Gilgit Baltistan Rana Muhammad Shamim against PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz.
A contempt of court notice was also sent on the former CJ 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 lose faith in the courts, a climate of scepticism will dominate 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 does not appear in any court records.