ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan refused to tender an apology in contempt of court case show-cause notice. A larger bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) on August 23 issued a show-cause notice to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and summoned him in person on August 31, in a contempt of court case pertaining to his threatening remarks about Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry. Imran Khan's reply was submitted in Islamabad High Court by Advocate Hamid Khan. In reply, it was said, "Imran Khan does not believe in suppressing feelings of judges, he is ready to withdraw words if they were inappropriate, court should examine Imran Khan's speech with context and he always obeys law and Constitution. PTI Chairman believes in an independent judiciary.

Show cause notice against him should be withdrawn." "It was in this misconception that she was referred to a magistrate," it said, adding that PTI chief had no intention of saying anything against judicial officer.

"It is submitted that respondent had no motive (ill-will) behind said speech or remarks, nor were those directed specifically towards judicial officer." It argued that after seeing visuals of physical torture and hearing about sexual abuse on Shahbaz Gill during custody, PTI chief had been disturbed. "It was neither intended to obstruct course of justice as order for remand had already been issued.

On Imran's behalf, his counsel said that fair comment and criticism was desirable for administration of justice and hence should be allowed.

He contended that deputy registrar of court had completely "misconceived law and his own powers" by writing a note to IHC and demanding contempt proceedings against Imran.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 31 2022

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