While resuming arguments in his contempt of court case, former law minister Babar Awan said before the Supreme Court that there looms a general impression worldwide that despite considering constitutional matters, Pakistan’s apex court was only focusing on contempt cases.
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court – comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and Justice Muhammad Ather Saeed – was hearing the contempt of court case against Awan for addressing a “contemptuous” press conference regarding the infamous Memogate scandal.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of contempt of court cases, Awan contended that the number of these cases in Pakistan were far more than in any other country’s court.
He urged the bench to take notice of the public rallies and press conferences in favour of the judiciary because under Article 204 of the Constitution, influencing the court’s process is also in contempt of court. In response, the bench asked Awan not to repeat this argument again and again. Upon this, the former law minister raised objection and asked why he could not talk about certain politicians who were publicly expressing their solidarity with the judiciary by arranging rallies and observing sit-ins. He also asked the court why no action was being taken in this regard.
“The case against me is that I have given a statement that the father-in-law of a sitting judge hanged Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” said Awan. He argued that one of the judges on the bench had already said that even if others were to pardon him, he would not pardon Awan — reminding the judiciary that a judge’s oath restricted him from making such remarks.
Awan complained that for the past six months he had been requesting the court to hear his application regarding the suspension of his licence but no positive response was forthcoming.
“Why I am being treated differently?” he asked the bench.
While adjourning the hearing, the bench asked Awan to conclude his arguments by Friday.
Contempt of law bill
While talking to the media after his hearing, Awan declared the fate of Contempt of Court Bill 2012 like that of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). “Though the bill would be passed and cleared by parliament, it will not pass and clear judicial scrutiny.”
“The new contempt law would benefit me but I do not like confrontations between institutions,” Awan maintained, adding that the new law was in violation of Articles 4, 9, 25 and 204 of the Constitution.
Regarding the dual nationality bill, he said this law would create problems for the security of Pakistan internally and externally since nationals of other countries could obtain Pakistani passports and become legislators.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 12th, 2012.
COMMENTS (9)
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It is for Mr Abdul Waheed, Dear friend, whole nation knows the charachter of Ali Kurd and his associates. They minted lot oof money during Justice Movement. His comments are totally worthless for me. Awan must be made an example being highly arrogant and unreasonable with the Highest and most respected Instituition of the country. He tried to make mockery of My Supreme Court and now he should face the music.
why do contempt in the first place, Mr Awan ?
His licence needs to be forfeited for ever. Pakistan can live without a corrupt so called lawyers.
Baabr Awan once in power was highly ignorant, to appease his Master Zardari he had exceeded all the limits.Now he is in shambles and his master has lef him all alone.It is an eye opener for all flaterers in que who wish to seek power at all cost even at the cost of thier "zameer" which seems to have gone dead for ever.I firmly believe that SC should make an eexample of him so that no one else dares contemting the courts.
I think Americans should consider this dual nationality bill a good opportunity. They can appoint 50 odd people to obtain Pakistani nationality, give them dollars and ask them to contest elections and start making laws of Pakistan. Perhaps thats the only option left for this banana republic.
It is perception that Babar Awan is being victimized like his previous political party PPP and being denied hios fundamental right of profession as his liecence was suspended. Such atrocity by an institution whose function is to provide justice is not warranted. Ali Ahmad Kurd Advocate, a leader of judiciary restoration movement in an interview on a media channel condemned the action of judiciaryto suspend his liecence terming it a dictatorial order.
Awan has made some good points. The courts should operate free without political interference. In cases when political parties hold marches and sit-ins in support of the courts it is like paying bribes to obtain favour from the court. An example would be the Arsalam and Riaz case.
alright, but why are you guys only focusing on hiding your corruption?
General cases are not discussed in talk shows and not eligible for breaking news and if one wishes to remain in the news he'll of course focus on contempt cases.