ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan to submit a ‘written apology’ in contempt of court case by Saturday.
The IHC Chief Justice Justice Athar Minallah conducted hearing on the contempt of court notice issued to Firdous for criticising the judiciary over granting bail to former premier Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds.
During the hearing of the contempt of court notice, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked: “It is a huge crime to level allegations in a subjudice matter. This court will not favour anyone. Action will be taken in accordance with the law.”
The high court chief justice told Firdous that in 2014, incumbent President Arif Alvi had filed a petition in the IHC on a holiday against the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) workers.
“The court issued its orders on a holiday. The court had barred [authorities] from arresting [PTI] workers,” Justice Minallah said and recalled that “a lot was said about [IHC] in 2014 as well”.
“Every judge takes an oath with God as witness,” Justice Minallah said, adding: “No matter how big a criminal, he has the right to a fair trial.”
“A court is respected due to its verdicts,” he further said.
After hearing the judge’s remarks, the special assistant tendered an unconditional apology, saying: “I never talked about the judiciary in my 20-year career [as a politician].”
To this, the court asked if she had submitted a written reply, to which her counsel responded in the negative.
Justice Minallah directed the special assistant to submit a written response within a week and adjourned the hearing till Nov 11.
Firdous Ashiq Awan also requested the court to exempt her from the next hearing; however, the court rejected her application, saying: “Her appearance here carries more advantage.”
