ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed a contempt of court petition against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday.
While announcing the reserved judgement, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah ruled that Advocate Kulsoom’s plea was inadmissible. Just criticising former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) 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.
Earlier in the day, the petitioner claimed that the disparaging language used against Justice Saqib Nisar constitutes contempt of court, prompting IHC CJ Athar Minallah to remark that judges are subject to criticism.
Remarks regarding retiring officials, even if made against a former chief justice, did not merit contempt of court proceedings, he noted.
Previously, the high court took note of statements made by former Gilgit Baltistan chief judge Rana Muhammad Shamim about PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz and summoned all parties as well as Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan in his personal capacity.
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.