IHC issues contempt notices to Shehbaz, cabinet in Dr Aafia case

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued contempt of court notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his federal cabinet over non-compliance in the case concerning efforts for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

The court directed the federal government to submit a response within two weeks.

A written order, authored by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, noted a pattern of repeated executive defiance and interference in judicial functions.

"Despite the court order, the federal government failed to submit reasons before the court," the IHC said. "The court has no option left but to issue a contempt of court notice to the federal government."

Justice Ejaz remarked that the judiciary had been under persistent attack.

“We have witnessed one attack after another on the pillars of justice. These attacks have repeatedly wounded the justice system and brought it to the verge of collapse.”

He further stated, “today, yet another example of assault on the judiciary has come to light.”

Referring to administrative interference in the court’s functioning, Justice Ejaz observed, “justice delivery by one high court judge was being controlled through a weekly roster under the office of the Chief Justice.”

“This situation is both horrifying and absurd at the same time,” he said. “It is a contradiction that has now become the hallmark of this high court.”

Justice Ejaz also recalled that since the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a so-called “demolition squad” had been effectively brought into the high court.

“The executive’s tricks became evident elsewhere,” he said, adding that court proceedings were being restricted through the roster mechanism.

He pointed out that judges wishing to hear cases during judicial vacations were denied permission by the court’s administration.

“If a judge wishes to hold court during vacations to deliver justice, the high court administration will not permit it,” he said.

The judge added that the government had been given ample opportunity to comply.

“The court had given the government an opportunity to present its report,” Justice Ejaz said.

The Assistant Attorney General was warned earlier that contempt proceedings would be initiated if the report was not filed.

Rather than submit the report, the government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the order to submit an amended application, the court noted.

“For whatever reason, the Supreme Court did not hear the government’s case,” Justice Ejaz remarked.