IHC issues another criminal contempt notice to Dr Firdous
Contempt of court issue: Dr Firdous tenders unconditional apology to IHC
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) –Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday has issued another criminal contempt of court notice to special assistant to the Prime Minister on information and broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.
During the hearing, Chief Justice of IHC Athar Minallah accepted unconditional apology of the special assistant and directed her to prove that she didn’t intentionally malign judiciary in her statement.
He remarked that PM Imran Khan has always talked about rule of law and you (Firdous Ashiq Awan) have tried to affect the under-hearing cases.
PM Imran was active participant of campaign seeking restoration of judiciary, he said, asking Dr Firdous to read out the rules of the court for her knowledge.
The chief justice said to special assistant that you should have not combined politics with judiciary, adding, “You are not an ordinary personality. You are PM’s special assistant and such remarks coming from your side are regrettable.”
He told that district courts were formed to hear cases of common people. Go and see the situation there that how judges are arranging hearings to conclude the cases, he stated.
Subsequently, the court has directed Dr Firdous to submit written reply till November 4 and adjourned the hearing till November 5.
Dr Firdous talks to media
Talking to media after visiting district courts on the direction of IHC CJ, Dr Firdous said that the government is implementing a reform agenda to improve judicial system and ensure dispensation of speedy justice.
She said the government brought women inheritance law and code of civil procedure to ensure provision of property rights to women and decision of civil cases swiftly.
She said ordinances have to be promulgated for public welfare because the government is facing difficulties in legislation for lacking two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
Expressing dissatisfaction over working condition at the courts and the facilities for litigants, the special assistant said she would play her role for provision of the necessary facilities. Road map for improving district courts in Islamabad is part of CDA’s new master plan, she added.
Earlier, IHC had issued contempt of court notice to Dr Firdous for holding anti-judiciary press conference during which she said that a special hearing was conducted in evening to give relief to former PM Nawaz Sharif.
The IHC remarked that Dr Firdous must defend herself before the court regarding her statement.
