Former Chief Justice Rana Shamim's affidavit case: Islamabad High Court issues contempt of court proceedings, show cause notice issued to parties
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has decided to initiate formal contempt proceedings against Jang Group journalists Ansar Abbasi, Mir Shakeel and Rana Shamim on the issue of affidavit of former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Justice Rana Shamim.
The court issued show cause notices to the parties including journalist Ansar Abbasi and former judge Rana Shamim and directed them to file reply within seven days and adjourned the hearing till November 26.
During the hearing in the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday, Justice Athar Minallah said, "This is not a criticism but an attack on the court. This affidavit was given by such a large newspaper without examining the important facts."
Justice Athar Minallah said that we must be held accountable but not become an obstacle in the way of justice system.
It may be recalled that the Islamabad High Court took note of the claim of former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar to influence the bail case of Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz. Was summoned in person today.
It should be noted that former Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, former Chief Justice of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim on not granting bail to former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz before the 2018 general elections. Have denied the allegations.
''It's not a criticism, it's an attack on the court.''
Jang Group Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, The News editor Amir Ghauri, journalist Ansar Abbasi, Rana Shamim's lawyer and son Ahmed Hassan Rana, Attorney General of Pakistan and others appeared in the court during the hearing on Tuesday.
Initiating the hearing of the case, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court Athar Minallah summoned Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Editor-in-Chief of Jang Group, to the rostrum and said, “We summoned you with a heavy heart. But the word has come.
''If the people lose confidence in the court, then there will be chaos and that is what you have unfortunately done,'' Justice Athar Minallah said.
Justice Athar Minallah while talking to Mir Shakeel and journalist Ansar Abbasi said, "You should read the headline of Zara The News." On which Ansar Abbasi read the headline of his news in the court.
After which Justice Athar Minallah said that this is not a criticism but an attack on the court. I say this is my accountability. You left a blank space instead of the judge's name, which made us angry. "
Justice Athar Minallah further said that the affidavit was given by such a big newspaper without examining the important facts. If any Chief Justice says such thing in front of me, I will immediately write to the Supreme Judicial Council.
He said that such mysterious affidavits are published, "hold us accountable but do not stand in the way of justice".
When Ansar Abbasi sought permission to speak to the court, the Chief Justice said, "Now what do you say, you did what you had to do."
Ansar Abbasi then said, "Let me speak," to which the Chief Justice said, "Wait a minute, where are the other parties?"
Former Chief Justice of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim's son, who is a lawyer by profession, appeared in the court.
Journalist Ansar Abbasi told the court, "I am a journalist, I am a messenger," to which the chief justice said, "You are not just a messenger." Can the Guardian allow such an affidavit to be published in London?
To which Ansar Abbasi said, "I did everything for the honor of this court. Initiate contempt of court proceedings against me but this matter should be investigated."