Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar on Thursday cautioned prominent rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir that she could face contempt proceedings over allegedly referring to him as a "dictator". The verbal altercation took place during the hearing of a petition to remove Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Mahrung Baloch's name from the Exit Control List (ECL). Imaan had been representing Mahrang in the court. "You should keep your mouth shut and stay within the limits of respect," Chief Justice Dogar said, irked by prior alleged remarks made by Imaan apparently outside the scope of the case. He referred to her calling him a "dictator" and declined to issue any directives on the matter at hand. During the hearing, the court was apprised by Deputy Attorney General Arshad Kayani that cabinet approval would be needed before any conclusive decision could be made on removing Mahrang's name from the ECL. However, directing his remarks at Imaan, the chief justice said, "Ms Mazari will go downstairs and hold a programme saying a dictator is sitting in court." Without specifying which remarks the IHC chief justice was taking objection to, Imaan insisted that her personal opinions were protected under free speech and should not affect her client's case. "I am here with a [legal] brief, not in a personal capacity." The heated exchange continued with Chief Justice Dogar warning Imaan of possible contempt charges. Adding fuel to the fire, he turned to Imaan's husband and fellow lawyer, advocate Hadi Ali Chatta, and said, "Hadi sahib, explain it to her...if I catch her someday..."
from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/RozWpeA
No comments:
Post a Comment