ISLAMABAD, (Daily Business News ): Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday conducted hearing on a contempt of court case against Gilgit Baltistan’s former Chief Judge Rana Shamim.
During the proceedings, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah directed Rana Shamim to come to rostrum over which, the ex-judge said that he has filed two new petitions.
In response, the IHC CJ told, “We will first indict you then hear your pleas.” The court had already given the orders to indict you [Rana Shamim] today, he remarked.
The former GB CJ told that his lawyers are on their way to court over which, the court adjourned the hearing for a short time period.
Previously, IHC had received the original affidavit of Chief Judge Rana Shamim and deferred the decision of indicting him.
The high court had also termed replies of all the parties including Rana Shamim as unsatisfactory.
Earlier, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had directed Rana Shamim to submit his original affidavit till December 13 and also warned of indicting him in the case if he fails to present the document.
IHC judge asked Rana Shamin whether he accepts the content written in the affidavit over which he stated that he hasn’t seen the affidavit which was submitted in this court as the original one is locked in his locker in United Kingdom.
Attorney general said it is strange that ex-CJ doesn’t remember what is in the affidavit. Every day of this court is important as it is the “season” of leaks, he added.
It is to be mentioned here that the high court had taken notice of revelations leveled by former chief judge of Gilgit Baltistan Rana Muhammad Shamim regarding PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz and summoned all the parties and Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan in personal capacity.
Former CJ of Gilgit Baltistan was also served with contempt of court notice.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked, “I trust each and every judge of the court. The judges can also be made accountable and criticized. An environment of disbelief will prevail in society if people stop trusting the courts.”
Athar Minallah told the he had also faced social media backlash. He further directed the journalist to read his story’s headline. The IHC CJ asked where the former judge had notarized this affidavit as it is not part of any record of this court.
