ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (Online): Former chief judge Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Rana Shamim will be indicted by Islamabad High Court (IHC) in contempt of court case on January 07.
The court has summoned arguments from respondents.
Rana Shamim, former chief judge G.B, Ansar Abbasi, Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan, Latif Afridi advocate, former vice chairman Pakistan Bar Council Amjid Ali Shah and others appeared in the court Tuesday.,
Chief Justice(CJ) IHC Athar Minallah remarked “ I am saying repeatedly this is not case of contempt of court.. Whosoever resorted to this court he got relief. The beneficiary of this affidavit also was provided relief by this court. This court has concern only with you.
CJ IHC remarked this is not case of contempt of court. This is case of accountability of Islamabad High Court. The narrative has been made this court has reached compromise. The court is offering itself for accountability.
The court directed registrar to open the parcel of the original affidavit presented by registrar IHC.
The attorney general said who has recorded affidavit should open this sealed envelope.
CJ IHC remarked the court wants this should be open before you so that you may see what is inside it. We received it through courier.
Latif Afridi, counsel for Rana Shamim said I will not open the sealed envelope of original affidavit. The court has summoned it and now the court should open it.
CJ IHC remarked why your client is hesitant in opening this envelope Rana Shamim was ordered to present original affidavit in the court. We don’t know what this envelope contains. .
Latif Afridi advocate said there is no love letter in sealed envelope. The grand son of Rana Shamim has sent the affidavit in sealed envelope through DHL courier service.
The CJ remarked where is that sealed envelope. It should be handed over to Latif Afridi.
The CJ remarked the court had directed Rana Shamim himself should present the affidavit. The court had not said that sealed envelope should be sent.
On court’s directives Rana Shamim opened the envelope.
The CJ inquired from Rana Shamim was this his affidavit and you had sealed it.
Rana Shamim replied yes it is my affidavit and my envelope.
CJ inquired we should keep this affidavit where.
Attorney General said now you will keep it in your custody.
Vice chairman Bar Council said now proceedings should move forward. Those should file counter affidavit whose names are therein.
CJ IHC remarked if Pakistan bar council is saying what is written in affidavit is correct then you are doubting every judge of this court. This affidavit has made all judges of this court suspicious.
The court while ordering to seal the affidavit again through affidavit allegations were leveled against high court judge, bench and CJ. Bid is being made to make the entire IHC controversial.
Amjid Shah advocate said Pakistan Bar council has no doubt on judge of IHC.
CJ IHC remarked the affidavit has nothing to do with the former chief justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar. Do it what you have do with it. Why the court should not indict the respondents under contempt of court.
Latif Afridi advocate said Rana Shamim affidavit was personal document he did not leak it. Rana Shamim never wanted to commit contempt of court.
The CJ IHC inquired did Rana Shamim send notice to Ansar Abbasi or notary public for making his personal document public.
The counsel said no action has been taken against Ansar Abbasi and notary public due to contempt of court case.
The CJ inquired who is beneficiary of this affidavit.
The counsel said I don’t know why the affidavit was recorded and who was beneficiary. Rana Shamim had no guess that the affidavit would raise such huge storm.
The court inquired from Ansar Abbasi do you want to say some thing. You have been alleged that you published personal documents of Rana Shamim.
Ansar Abbasi said “I read out his affidavit to Rana Shamim and he confirmed that its contents are correct. Rana Shamim did not tell that this document was personal and non publishable.
The Attorney General requested the court to indict the respondents saying Rana Shamim has committed contempt of court in this case. One thing is coming since the last three days that the affidavit was recorded in some one else office. It is strange that it has not been refuted so far.
Latif Afridi advocate said Rana Shamim has contradicted it in a TV interview.
The CJ remarked why the court should not indict them in such situation.
Latif Afridi pleaded Rana Shamim has said he has recorded this affidavit for his late wife. Rana Shamim did not leak his affidavit to press. He has not given it to any one. Rana Shamim also asked from Ansar Abbasi it was his private document and how he got it.
The CJ remarried Rana Shamim will have known now how much sensitive issue this is.
Latif Afridi advocate said this is not so much sensitive issue. Contempt of court cases were framed against Imran Khan in suprem court and Firdous Ashiq Awan in this court. What happened in contempt of court cases against Imran Khan and Firdous Ashiq Awan. Such cases come and the court has to show mercy.
Ansar Abbasi said the affidavit has not been given by a common man. This was given by former chief judge GB.
The CJ IHC Inquired Ansar Abbasi Sahb do you know how he became judge. Appointment was made without consultation with the chief justice of Pakistan. Prime Minister had inducted him for three years on contract on his own.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case till January 7.
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