The larger bench of Islamabad High Court today has decided to indict former Prime Minister Imran Khan in contempt proceedings against him. The five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Athar Minallah declared that the second reply submitted by PTI chief Imran Khan is also “Unsatisfactory”. The five-member bench comprises Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri and Justice Babar Sattar.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan landed in trouble after passing the controversial remarks against Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry. The charges against the former PM and PTI chief will be framed on September 22, 2022.
During the hearing, Imran Khan’s counsel Hamid Khan said that “on honorable court’s order, we have submitted the second reply. There will be no shame in expressing regret to the judge for my words,” the PTI leader had said.”
In his second reply, former Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated his stance that, “It is therefore submitted with utmost respect that Respondent cannot even imagine undertaking or advising the undertaking of a contumacious and intentional malicious campaign against judiciary or to interfere or obstruct the course of justice in any manner whatsoever.”
He further added in his 19 pages reply that, “The Respondent also assures this Hon’ble Court that he would not shy away from expressing his remorse to her. Those utterances were never meant to interfere with or in any way influence the course of administration of justice. The Respondent believes that Courts all over Pakistan are adhering to the rule of law and the Constitution.”
Chief Justice IHC Athar Minallah observed that the PTI chief’s replies appeared to be justifying the contempt and replies do not express any remorse or regret. He further added that, “criminal contempt is a serious matter and district court is our red line.”
Both amicus curiae Munir A. Malik and Makhdoom Ali Khan suggested that Islamabad High Court to discharge the show cause notice against Imran Khan.