SC issues notice to Maulvi Iftikhar for derogatory language against Justice Isa

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed asks for Maulvi Iftikhar to appear before the court

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to Maulvi Iftikhar Uddin Mirza for using derogatory, contemptuous and scandalous language against the institution of judiciary and Supreme Court judge Qazi Faez Isa.

Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan said Justice Isa's wife Sarina Isa filed an application at Islamabad’s Secretariat Police Station to register a first information report (FIR) for a video clip that went viral on social media of Maulvi Iftikhar where he is heard saying "Isa should be shot publicly".

The attorney general said police have referred the matter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), adding that FIA has initiated proceedings under the Electronic Crimes Act.

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed responded that the FIA is not doing anything and asked the attorney general to appear in court at the next hearing and assist the SC.

The court also summoned the FIA director-general for the next hearing on July 2.

Maulvi Iftikhar's lawyer said Iftikhar appeared before the court earlier but the police took him into custody, to which the chief justice questioned why the police took him.

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed asked for Maulvi Iftikhar to appear before the court.

SCBA

President Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) Syed Qalbe Hassan strongly condemned the video clip that has gone viral on social media containing derogatory and contemptuous remarks against members of the apex judiciary and life threats extended to the judges of Supreme Court.

“The substance of the video reveals that a desperate effort has been made to malign and slander the dignity of the apex institution of the country and its honourable judges,” he said in a statement.

Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan further demanded stern action against the culprits must be taken along with initiation of criminal proceedings against the offenders.

It called upon concerned institutions to remove the said video clip from social media immediately and to take necessary steps for the safety and security of the judges and their families, as the right to life is the most fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution.