The Islamabad High Court warned Tuesday former chief justice of Gilgit-Baltistan, Rana Shamim, to submit his original affidavit in which allegations of judicial manipulation were levelled against former chief justice of Pakistan, Saqib Nisar, by Monday otherwise he would by indicted in a contempt of court case.
During today’s hearing, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said there will be consequences if Rana Shamim had not given the affidavit for publication and had made it for any other purpose.
“No one can approach the judges of this court,” said Minallah, adding that permission won’t be given to erode public confidence in courts.
No independent judge can give an excuse that there was any pressure on him, he added.
The allegations on the chief justice of Pakistan were in fact against the respected judges of this court, Justice Minallah said, adding, “The public was given the perception that the chief justice pressured judges of this court. The timing of the story’s publication is important because [the hearing] on an appeal is under way.”
Earlier, Ex-CJ GB Rana Shamim appeared before the court. Replying to a question about his response to the show-cause notice, Shamim said that his lawyer will submit a response, adding that he was on his way to court.
After Shamim’s counsel, Lateef Afridi, reached the court and submitted his reply. He told the court that his client still stood with the content of his affidavit which he had signed in London.
Shamim’s affidavit was with his grandson in London, he said. Afridi revealed that Shamim’s grandson was chased and harassed in London.
At this, the attorney-general asked if he will bring the documents himself or provide it to the Pakistani embassy in London.
The court gave ex-CJ Rana Shamim a last chance to submit his affidavit and adjourned the hearing till November 13.
