PML-N leader ‘to face harsher’ sentence

Hearing adjourned for an indefinite period

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday issued a notice to further intensify the punishment awarded to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Wasim Akhar for passing remarks against Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Azmat Saeed dismissed Akhtar's appeal against the contempt of court committed by him.

Akhtar's counsel requested the court to adjourn the hearing citing the absence of a senior counsel.

The court questioned the lawyer if judges are entitled to less respect as compared to others. "Are we bad people?" said Justice Sheikh. "Does the judiciary not have any respect?"

Before concluding the hearing, Justice Sheikh reminded Akhtar's counsel that his client's punishment will definitely be enhanced.

Hearing was adjourned for an indefinite period.