Current Final

Tag: Islamabad High Court

  • ‘Who pressured you to sentence Nawaz Sharif and said that Khan needs to be in power?’: Maryam asks ex-CJP Nisar

    ‘Who pressured you to sentence Nawaz Sharif and said that Khan needs to be in power?’: Maryam asks ex-CJP Nisar

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, in a heated press conference in Islamabad, called upon former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar and asked him to come forth and tell the nation the truth.

    “Come forth, tell the nation who pressurised you?” Maryam Nawaz

    “Whether today or tomorrow, you will have to tell the nation the truth. There is still time. Come forth, tell the nation who pressured you to sentence Nawaz Sharif if it was unwarranted? Who pressured you to sentence Maryam Nawaz, if it was without merit. And who told you that [Prime Minister (PM)] Imran Khan needs to be brought to power?”

    “If Nawaz didn’t deserve the punishment, then why did you play with the justice system? You were sitting in the highest forum and why could you not refuse orders to convict Nawaz Sharif?”

    Maryam also asked Nisar why he allowed himself to be “forced to take an unconstitutional and illegal [step]”.

    “You will have to answer all this,” said Maryam.

    “After the TV channel said that [Nisar’s] audio had been pieced together to create the clip, Nisar too stepped forth to agree. So the TV channel deserves thanks,” Maryam Nawaz

    Addressing the media coverage regarding the leaked audio, without naming the channel, Maryam said that earlier Nisar denied any connection with the clip and said that it is not him who can be heard in the audio.

    “After the TV channel said that his [Nisar’s] audio had been pieced together from two of his previous speeches to create the alleged audio, he [Nisar] too stepped forth to agree,” said Maryam, adding, “So the TV channel that led to his [Nisar’s] admission of his voice being part of the clip deserves some thanks.”

    Addressing the TV channel directly, Maryam questioned the choice of the channel to omit specific bits from the audio clip that are the “real crux of the matter”.

    She also added that those words are the “charge sheet against Saqib Nisar” and demanded to know which speech those bits are from then.

    “So the bits that you like are his voice and the parts that you do not, are not his voice?” she asked.

    “Audio clips and videos may be material, but Justice Siddiqui is very much alive, he must be inquired about his allegations,” Maryam Nawaz

    “Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui also made a startling statement, while [former accountability judge] Arshad Malik was punished for speaking the truth,” Maryam said, adding that although the two judges had been punished, “nobody dared to come forward to provide justice to Nawaz Sharif.”

    She demanded that the parties involved in the Justice Siddiqui scandal be summoned in court, made to stand in the witness box and a sworn testimony be taken from them.

    Maryam said that audio clips and videos may be material that one can be skeptical about “but Justice Siddiqui is very much alive and he must be inquired about his allegations”.

    “Fifth testimony in favour of Nawaz Sharif”: Maryam Nawaz

    “You (Nisar) will have to give its answer to the people. Leave the audio, leave [the former top] Gilgit-Baltistan judge’s affidavit, and the statements of former judges and FIA’s Bashir Memon. This is the fifth testimony in favour of Nawaz Sharif. Will the nation forget these testimonies? Can you deny that an elected prime minister (Nawaz Sharif) was removed from power unjustly?”

    She continued: “There is no proof against me and I was [sentenced to prison] for seven years. Now National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has no evidence to furnish in the IHC (Islamabad High Court).”

    She said it was “ridiculous” that Nisar was not saying anything in his defence, while government ministers were defending the ex-CJP “haphazardly”.

    “Imran Khan never called a meeting to discuss inflation, but after the audio leak he called a meeting,” Maryam Nawaz

    “[PM] Imran Khan never called a meeting to discuss inflation, but after the audio leak he called a meeting asking his party men to discuss the PML-N tenure in public,” she alleged, saying the ministers and the premier were actually saving themselves “because they know they will suffer badly once Saqib Nisar is proved guilty”.

    “Saqib Nisar get a forensic audit conducted, face the law and build a dam from the money he gets after winning the case,” Maryam Nawaz

    “I want Saqib Nisar to get a forensic audit conducted, face the law and build a dam from the money he gets after winning the case,” she said, calling upon the judiciary “not to bear the burden of someone whose truth is now out”.

    Stressing politicians’ responsibility to protect the prestige of the judiciary, the PML-N leader stated: “Judiciary is bigger than these individuals. We don’t want to take matters beyond a certain point [and] the judiciary should clear its name itself.”

    She then quoted former chief justice Asif Saeed Khosa as writing in the Panama Papers case judgment that “Behind every great fortune, there is a crime,” and said: “The crime and conspiracy that took place before the 2018 elections are also exposed before everyone now.”

  • ‘What can you say, you have already caused the harm you had to cause’: Athar Minallah grills Ansar Abbasi on Saqib Nisar affidavit

    ‘What can you say, you have already caused the harm you had to cause’: Athar Minallah grills Ansar Abbasi on Saqib Nisar affidavit

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday issued show-cause notices during a hearing of the case related to the allegations against ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar by former chief justice (CJ) of Gilgit-Baltistan Justice (retd) Rana Shamim, reports Geo Urdu.

    Shamim’s lawyer appeared before the court on his behalf and informed that Justice Shamim wasn’t feeling. He said Shamim’s brother had passed away.

    IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah called Mir Shakil- ur-Rahman, editor-in-chief Jang, to the rostrum.

    “I have summoned you with a heavy heart,” Athar Minallah said, adding that there is a difference between social media and newspapers and that a newspaper has an editorial policy and editorial control.

    “The judges of this court are accountable and face criticism,” Justice Minallah said, adding that if the people do not trust the judiciary, there will be chaos in society.

    Justice Minallah said: “Please hold us [judges] accountable, but don’t create controversies.”

    IHC chief justice directed journalist Ansar Abbasi to read out the headline of his story published in The News.

    “Do you think the judges of our court take instructions from anyone?” Justice Minallah questioned, saying that this affidavit is not part of any judicial record.

    At this, Abbasi asked if he could say something.

    “What can you say, you have already caused the harm you had to cause,” the IHC CJ responded.

    After being allowed to speak in court, Abbasi said he respects the IHC chief justice and the story was his and so if the court wants to take any action, it should be against him.

    “The editor and editor-in-chief are not to be blamed in this matter,” said Abbasi, adding that this was not his statement and that it belonged to the former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Gilgit-Baltistan.

    “I am a journalist, my job is to convey the message. I also confirmed this from Justice Shamim,” he added.

    Abbasi further added that he did not even mention the name of the high court judge in his story.

    However, Justice Minallah said that this charge has been levelled against the court, it has been alleged that [the] High Court takes directions from others. “We will not compromise on the dignity of this court.”

    “We had no such intention as you think,” Justice Minallah told Abbasi, adding that it is constantly being reported that it was said that do not release them [Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz] before the election.

    He also asked Abbasi whether he had checked who was part of the bench hearing the cases against the PML-N leaders, adding that he and Justice Aamer Farooq were abroad when the appeal was filed and the case was fixed for hearing.

    “Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Miangul Hassan were present in the country at the time. Did you inquire about this from the high court registrar?”

    He observed that noted lawyers were part of the case against the PML-N leaders. “Did you ask them if they had requested a date before the general elections?”

    He said that Khawaja Haris was the petitioner at the time. “Did you check with him about the bench hearing the case?”

    “If another judge spoke like this in front of me I would get in touch with the Supreme Judicial Council,” he said.

    “A person witnesses the CJP asking someone to commit a crime. The person stays silent for three years and an affidavit concerning the incident surfaces. How can a newspaper publish such a document?” he asked.

    Earlier it was reported that on directions of the ex-CJP Saqib Nisar, a high court judge did not release Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz on bail at any cost before the 2018 general elections. A news report was published in The News, based on a signed affidavit of the ex-CJ Gilgit Baltistan.

    “Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif must remain in jail until the general elections are over. On assurances from the other side, he (Saqib Nisar) became calm and happily demanded another cup of tea,” said the affidavit.

    The affidavit contains the signature of the ex-CJ of Gilgit Baltistan as well as an image of his CNIC. The notary public stamped the affidavit and recorded that it was “sworn under oath before me” on November 10, 2021.

  • ‘If Nawaz Sharif can go to jail, so can Saqib Nisar’: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    ‘If Nawaz Sharif can go to jail, so can Saqib Nisar’: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    “If Nawaz Sharif can go to jail, so can Saqib Nisar,” said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at a press conference in Islamabad.

    Abbasi was addressing the media along with Khawaja Asif after the claims of former Chief Judge (CJ) of the apex court of Gilgit Baltistan Rana M Shamim came to light. Justice Shamim, in a signed affidavit, wrote that he is a witness to the then Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar’s direction to a high court judge not to release Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz on bail at any cost before the 2018 general elections.

    “I pray that Nisar is not involved in this act. Getting involved in the country’s affairs is unconstitutional […] Nisar had visited hospitals and tried to build dams, thus we have to believe Rana Shamim’s statement,” said Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

    “Three people, including Rana Shamin and Saqib Nisar, are aware of the facts, but the people of Pakistan should also know the truth. If someone meddles with elections, so don’t we hold the right to question them?” he said.

    Khawaja Asif said that the PML-N would raise Shamim’s allegations in parliament, as he had recorded his statement “without any pressure”.

    Meanwhile, Saqib Nisar said he didn’t want to respond to the “white lies” of the ex-GB chief justice.

    “I have never spoken to anybody or any high court judge in connection to any matter related to Mian sahab,” he said.

    Nisar said that Shamim had asked him for an extension but he didn’t accept his request, adding that the ex-GB CJ had also complained to him about the same.

  • Islamabad High Court questions the killing of stray dogs

    Islamabad High Court questions the killing of stray dogs

    The Islamabad High Court during a hearing against the “brutally murdering” and “poisoning” of stray dogs in Islamabad, questioned the Capital Development Authority and Islamabad Wildlife and Management, Samma has reported. The court issued the chairperson of the wildlife board and CDA in this regard.

    “We have told you to formulate policies instead of barbarically killing stray dogs”, said Justice Athar Minallah, “What happened to that? How can you violate the court’s orders?” he questioned further.

    “The chairperson [of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board] is directed to satisfy this court that in compliance with this court’s judgment a policy was formulated by the board so that stray dogs are not subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering. The officials shall satisfy this court why proceedings may not be initiated against officials who are responsible for violating this court’s directions,” added Justice Athar Minallah.

    The petition against the killing of stray dogs was filed by Advocate Saira Mehreen Abbasi, stating that practice of killing dogs is still going on in the city despite the court’s order. In January, the CDA imposed a complete ban on shooting stray dogs in the city.

  • Court asks Faisal Vawda why he is afraid of Election Commission investigation

    Court asks Faisal Vawda why he is afraid of Election Commission investigation

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Vawda filed a petition at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking a stay against the proceedings of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in his disqualification case, reports Geo Urdu.

    Chief Justice IHC Athar Minallah dismissed the case and rejected Vawda’s petition.

    Vawda had adopted the stance that the case against him in the ECP had become invalid as the body could not make a decision within the time limit. The ECP was bound to decide the complaints within 60 days after he was elected. He requested the court to turn down the ECP decision dated October 12 and declare the case against him null and void.

    Justice Athar Minallah questioned, “Why are you afraid of being investigated by the ECP? Your application is inadmissble, it is rejected.”

  • ‘I am giving you an opportunity to hang me’: Zahir Jaffer calls the judicial system ‘incompetent’

    ‘I am giving you an opportunity to hang me’: Zahir Jaffer calls the judicial system ‘incompetent’

    Zahir Jaffer was kicked out of an Islamabad sessions court on Wednesday for interrupting and misbehaving with the judge, SAMAA has reported. In a video being widely shared on social media, Zahir can be seen being dragged out of court by policemen. As per media reports, the prime suspect in Noor Mukadam’s murder case misbehaved and used derogatory language in the court.

    Read more- Noor Mukadam case: SC demands evidence against Zahir Jaffer’s mother

    Journalist Zubair Ali Khan tweeted that Zahir Jaffer in court said, “I’m giving you guys an opportunity to hang me but still you guys are dragging this, this shows it is all a puppet show.”

    Zahir further said that he has never seen more incompetent people than [the ones] sitting in the [court] room in his entire life.

  • ‘No one can become Nawaz Sharif,’ PTI’s Shahbaz Gill responds to Maryam Nawaz

    Special Assistant to Prime Minister (PM) on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill said that no one can become Nawaz Sharif. “Such people are born this way,” said Gill while responding to Maryam Nawaz’s earlier comments about PM Khan. Maryam Nawaz had said that PM Imran Khan should not try to be Nawaz Sharif.

    “These people are dangerous for the entire nation,” Gill said in a press conference, along with the Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Maleeka Bokhari.

    While criticising Maryam Nawaz, Gill stated, “No one is safe from Maryam’s shadow, including her father [Nawaz Sharif] and her uncle [Shehbaz Sharif].”

    “If you are talking about magic, tell us what kind of djinns helped you transfer your money abroad, tell us about the witches who helped you build these apartments [in London], which djinns and witches printed dollars for you to buy these apartments,” asked Gill, responding to Maryam’s comments about magic.

  • ‘Do not try to be Nawaz Sharif,’ Maryam Nawaz tells PM Khan

    ‘Do not try to be Nawaz Sharif,’ Maryam Nawaz tells PM Khan

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz said that Prime Minister Imran Khan should not try to be Nawaz Sharif. Maryam was addressing the media after an appearance at the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

    “When Nawaz Sharif came up with the slogan, ‘Vote ko izzat do’ [give respect to the vote], he was an elected prime minister, a constitutional prime minister, he came to power from the votes of the people and he had a long constitutional struggle, which was not for himself,” said Maryam.

    “He [Nawaz Sharif] gave up prime minister office for the respect of the Constitution and people of Pakistan,” she said. “To give respect to vote, you need to go to prison, you need to say that you will not take dictation from anyone.”

    “Imran Khan’s identity is to conspire against the elected prime minister and to hold a 126-day sit-in,” she said. She was referring to the 2014 sit-in by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad.

    The PML-N leader went on to say that one does not simply become a lion by cloaking oneself in the creature’s hide.

    Maryam said PM Imran Khan’s identity is confined to “conspiracies” and that he has “nothing to do with the principles of law and democracy”.

    She said that the premier will have to “answer for his conspiracies”. Speaking further about the so-called “conspiracies”, she said that if the use of “magic” has yielded such success, then it should be put to use to alleviate the petrol, diesel, flour crises, reports Geo News.

    “If your magic is so successful, then why don’t you use it for the good of the people?”

    “Go ahead, revoke my bail, arrest me, so that the people can see how fearful you are,” she challenged the government.

  • Delivering verdict in two months goes against rights of suspect: Zahir’s parents approach SC

    Delivering verdict in two months goes against rights of suspect: Zahir’s parents approach SC

    Zahir Jaffer’s parents have challenged Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) bail rejection by approaching the Supreme Court (SC), reported Geo News.

    Zahir is the prime suspect in Noor Mukadam’s murder case.

    Advocate Khawaja Harris filed a petition on behalf of his clients Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, arguing that delivering a verdict in two months goes against the rights of the suspects and the principles of a transparent trial.

    According to the petition, a complete challan of the case has not yet been presented in the trial court, while the high court went beyond its jurisdiction by directing to complete the trial in two months.

    Furthermore, the petition argued that the police investigation was biased and not impartial. According to Zahir’s parents’ lawyers, the defendants will not be able to defend themselves properly in prison as it will be difficult for them to communicate with them being in prison.

    Last week, the IHC had rejected the bail pleas of both of Zahir’s parents and also ordered the court to complete the trial within eight weeks.

    However, in IHC’s detailed verdict, it was ruled that both Zakir and Asmat committed the crime of aiding Noor’s murder.

  • Exclusive: Govt to disclose gifts received by PM Khan soon

    Exclusive: Govt to disclose gifts received by PM Khan soon

    The federal government has denied giving out information about the exchange of gifts between Prime Minister Imran Khan and other heads of state, following a citizen’s petition against the matter.

    Journalist Aamir Saeed Abbasi, shared a picture of a notice on Twitter in which the government has termed the gifts as ‘classified’.

    In the notice, it is mentioned that the matter is reflective of inter-state relations and the disclosure of such information potentially damages the interest of Pakistan in the context of international relations.

    However, sources told The Current that there is nothing that’s deliberately being hidden. They said that some countries do not like disclosing their gifts so they are marked ‘classified’.

    According to them, a list may soon be provided of gifts without the mention of countries’ names.

    The government also challenged the petitioner in Islamabad High Court (IHC).