PTI Chairman Imran Khan. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Speaking on Express News show Kal Tak on Thursday, hours after being issued the notice by the Supreme Court to explain comments he made that derided the judicial body, Imran said he was only seeking justice as a citizen of Pakistan.
"I consider this [contempt notice] a joke that a Pakistani citizen who is asking for justice from the Supreme Court is being given a contempt notice, who has struggled for restoration of the judiciary, participated in long marches for the independence of judiciary."
The PTI chief asked that didn't a citizen of Pakistan have the right to seek justice from the Supreme Court over the alleged rigging during the May 11, 2013 elections.
"If this is contempt, then I do not think they know the meaning of contempt."
Asked that if the court convicted him of contempt of court and sentenced him, would he accept the sentence or term it a conspiracy to disqualify him, Imran said he was ready for the punishment and would maintain his stance till the end.
"Under no circumstance will I apologise. I have committed no mistake. I am fighting the fight for democracy in Pakistan, and if they send me to jail for contempt, I am ready to go to jail."
Imran said he felt being wronged by the court.
"I think the Supreme Court is wrong in summoning me in contempt of court."
However, Imran vowed that he will appear before the court. "We talk of rule of law so I will appear in person."
Asked if he was disqualified from the assemblies as a result of a sentence handed down by the court, Imran said, "
Let them disqualify me, I am ready for that."
Earlier, an official announcement form Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) confirmed that their party chief Imran Khan will appear in person before the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday.
Imran, who was issued a notice on Thursday, will appear before a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Friday, and will be accompanied by lawyer Hamid Khan and senior party leaders of party. The court has also directed Attorney General Muneer Malik to assist in the matter.
CEC's resignation
Asked about the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Fahruddin G Ebrahim, Imran said that other members the Election Commission should also resign after the alleged rigging in the May 11 elections.
"In a country where all parties said rigging has taken place in the elections, then principally they must resign."
The PTI chief further claimed that the former CEC had little to no control over the election commission.
"Ebrahim had nothing in his hand. All the other members were politically appointed. His stand on the presidential election was also overruled."
Imran added that they had petitioned the Supreme Court to conduct thumb impression verification of votes in four constituencies. If the verification did not take place, he said that his party will protest by coming onto the streets.
"That is the right of a democratic party to demand free and fair elections."
Drones
Asked about drones, Imran said that drones were not acceptable since it provided fuel for the militants to act against the state.
"Drones, for any self-respecting country, is not acceptable."
He referred to the recent incident on Nanga Parbat and pointed to the reason claimed by militants. "They said it was in reaction to the drone strike on Waliur Rehman."
The PTI chief, who has pushed for talks with militants, said that they had more of a chance to stop militants if they disengaged with US' War on Terror.
COMMENTS (80)
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He did not apologize but lied on the court.
@ Bloggers The Taliban Khan has somehow the lust to remain in the headlines for good or bad reasons. Mark my words, this episode will be another tsunami in a teacup!
Its Islamic Republic of Pakistan, where only cases that come to an end are contempt of court cases. Would courts like to investigate Rigging delegations by I.K or they just heard the word 'Sharamnak'
I as a proud Punjabi-Pakhton , am 100% percent behind my grayeen( race-buddy) i.e Imran Khan.
There is no shame in submitting before rule of law. Your apology shall give a message that you respect law.., even though it misunderstood you.
@Lala Gee: Simply Disgusting. PML (N) mindset.
@Sheeda Tully: He disappointed you. He lied on oath. He has highest respect for adlia.
On KPK Govt. PTI is doing excellent and has done more than any other government was ever able to do in such a short span of time. its only been 2 months since they have started working. The DI khan incident's responsibility lies with the police, federal and the provincial govt. But the govt (both federal and provincial) is new and it needs proper time to take full onus of responsibility.
@Random----U r ignorant. He has a filed a petition both in the SC and with the EC.
Even Ali Ahmad Kurd has said Imran K is right on this issue. He was talking about the ROs when he said that they were "shameful" in their role in the elections. He was not referring to the higher judiciary or Supreme Court. The Higher Judiciary he has only criticised by saying that they were neither hearing his petition nor cared for the protestors nor did they have a good overall check over anything.
CJ is just making silly cases.
Time to see if Imran khan respect the judiciary .
i think imran khan has gone berserk
with all due respect, i have to say that courts in Pakistan takes years to decide a case... we have a case in court for the last 10 years.... delayed justice is no justice. thats why people in Pakistan avoid going to courts... We are with Imran Khan for the sake of justice in the country...
Look who is talking? Those who attacked shamelessly on SC are now portraying themselves as Champions and custodians of Judiciary.
CJ is angry as no one dared to challenge his dictatorial rule and conduct. He is against IK as he is the true leader of this nation.
He did not say that that he did not contempt the court. He should respect the courts otherwise the nation will be pushed to anarchy. Coming on streets is not the solution. He should either deny the charges or apologize. Chaudhri is retiring in Dec. but the SC will stay. The Courts should establish justice for which PTI stands.
IK wants to be a hero. He should go to Bollywood.
@A Pakistani: Reason of so called comtempt of court is very imprtant. Khan is not saving his or someone else's corruption. He is only asking for scrutinity of voting for 4 seat only.
@PTI Karachi
Kindly stop hate speech and talk progressive now.PTI is for every Pakistani not for some ethnic groups.
@PTI Karachi: stop posting as a "PTI" supporter...you are clearly some MQM-er talking about "urdu" speakers! PTI doesn't differentiate between race religion or ethnicity. Insaf is for everyone and is same for everyone. So please don't try to fool anyone.
Can anyone tell me what did he say?
@A Pakistani: it is not double standards. It is just a process of learning
@PTI Karachi: asad umar is a Punjabi born in Rawalpindi
Wow.. this is incredibly disappointing.. I mean I knew he would implode but this soon??
Another SIYAASI SHAHEED in the making! Imran Khan is following the footsteps of PPP. He has been rightly dubbed as Bteam of PPP.
nation is with you dont let us down we want quiad e azam ka pakistan not this type of PAKISTAN may Allah give sense to our leaders
Imran Khan Niazi, look the CJ in his eyes, and say the truth. God be with you. DARNA NAHEEN.
Media Stunts .. This is how he and his part playing the propaganda game for last three years... He should come up with evidences NOW or he should stop PLAYING emotionally.
So Imran khan thinks he is above the law. Strange tendency in pakistani politicians they must insult the judiciary. Elementary math Shows neither Imran nor Ppp had any chance of getting enough vote to be a factor in presidential election. He should pay attention to law and order situation in kp but that requires hard work and tough decision that is too much work ...slogans are easier.
@lala gee Rattling unnecessarily
Obviously, Imran Khan has to go. He has a bad habit of stating the truth and what Pakistan has to do if they want to get out of the mess created by previous Governments over the last 30 years, and in particular over the last 10 years.
Our judiciary is independent.IK should not disrespect the judiciary and respect the verdict of the court. Personally I found his remarks pointing towards the judiciary. In my opinion our respected SC must disqualify him.
what a u turn...by Imran khan..all these years he was criticizing zardari for not implementing court decision ....and now he is doing the same
Pathans rarely apologise And Imran khan is the single-most famouse Pathan, and it makes it even harder for him to apologies. Looks like he will be disqualified.
So they rightly said that its necessary to go behind bars to become a politician in Pakistan. No wonder Imran Khan would love this verdict from Supreme Court.
CJP shouldn't take IK as Musharraf and ruin all his achievements when his golden end is so near.
on this issue i am supporting Imran Khan. but he should be careful ... as democracy is fragile in its nature in Pakistan. but SC unnecessarily took notice of its words while amazingly mr. Raza Rabani or Atraz Ahsan were more harsh in a press conference than IK
Imran - Please grow up. We need leaders like you but at the same time be rational; do not generalised the issues.
Arrogance, thy name is Imran Khan
ET - there needs to be decency at these blogs and everyone should be given a fair chance to share his/her views. There must be a health discussion without getting any personal.
Hate speech, whether it is from Imran Khan or Altaf Hussain or any one else, must be condemned. So are comments from people like PTI Karachi.
IK if you were seeking justice you should have lodged a petition and not mocking the highest judicial court in country. I really wish that SC will take you seriously and sentences you accordingly so that you and your fan boys can learn how to respect the institutions. Oh and all those wanting to march towards SC you can also fulfill your wish. Bunch of kids you are!
yes, play victim when you finally realize that your end-of-corruption-in-90-days mantra is at best infantile. now take a collision course and then blame others for your failure. good job, you are becoming a politician.
I the wake of actual and bigger threats to the country, I really feel sorry to say that IK’s extremely hostile and youthful attitude is a disappointment. “The broader objective is to fracture the Nation State and redraw the borders of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan” … please see Prof. Michel Chossudovsky’s landmark article about this unfortunate country if interested: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=7746
Hafeez Chishti (Calgary, Alberta)
I can bet with anyone he will apologise!
I voted for PTI, but it's becoming obvious that IK is committing political suicide. These comments are proof, along with his party's failure to address any issue in KPK (and instead respond to it by pointing fingers at past governments), that he lacks the mettle that is required by a political leader and IK will remain in complete denial about any criticism of himself. Let's not forget that a military dictator like Musharraf, who overthrew a democratically elected govt in a coup, was brought down by this Supreme Court - sorry but IK doesn't stand a chance here, his hotheadedness is costing him and PTI.
@afzaal khan: dont lie i knw u....
Words from a man not afraid of skeletons in the closet! If other leaders had clean consciences they too could be this bold.... alas they have too many bodies buried in their backyards
@Haroon:
You don't know what you are talking.
Basically after his defeat he wanted an exit out of here and the political scene. What better opportunity than this. They wont let you leave that easily Mr Khan.
@A Pakistani:
kudos! bravo! spot on! IK will feel and be very stupid if after fighting for this crook in 2007 and thinking he is some big shot to restore 'azaad' adliya was all in vain. if only IK knew then what musharraf knew about our dear CJ.
Of course he is ready to go to jail - because he knows his firends from the TTP will break into the jail and set him free!!!
@Raj - USA
I read your comments but it seems you are so blinded by hatred & prejudice that your comments keep getting sillier and stupider by the day. Why do u have to comment if u don't have anything to say. What is the comparison of BD court banning JI & this case. Apples & oranges!!!
BTW when will u ask Indian Supreme court to ban BJP !!!
Looking at his recent statements he should be in a lunatic asylum rather than jail.
Always defended PTI and Imran Khan, disgusted and sick by this stance and disrespect. In the end PTI Is not tehreek-e-insaaf it is tark-e-insaaf. Law is not Imran Khan's farm where he can decide what is good for nation. So called champions of democracy supporting him are pushing his party hoping he gets convicted of contempt if not they can take out CJ. I always argued with people who called Khan Immature and arrogant, my apologies u were right I was wrong. Thank you for destroying Pak
Imran Khan thy name is petulance!!!
Yawn..just a topi drama to divert attention from the disaster that is KP govt. at the present and also to reunite the party.....as our US friends say " rally around the president time" for the PTI members and supporters
@Haroon: I hope you are being sarcastic!?!?!!
This is the wurst possible scenario. Egypt has gone back 30 years with the army coup .
This is the last thing we need!!! And to have the immature clown IK installed by the army will take Pakistan back 200 years.
Bd careful what you ask for!!
Bravo IK. Be bold. You are right on your stand. You are not corrupt like the previous PMs. They think they are holy cows, cant stand criticism
@Haroon: That is the real face of you PTI supporters. You do not care for the country, you do not care for democracy. You fanatics just want your party to win.
Just gimmick.........He supports terrorist now is challenging the law.......Just wants sympathy to keep himself relevant......
See the performance of his party in KPK..........
Imran Ahmed Khan had a fall in May'13 and he is suffering from memory lapses since then. Let us remind him what happened on April 26, 2012: [Contempt of court: Khan, demand Gilani’s resignation . PTI chief Imran Khan, holding a press conference stated that Gilani, in light of the Supreme Court order, is no longer the prime minister of Pakistan. “He has lost all *moral authority*, so he should quit office from today.” If Gilani doesn’t resign, the PTI will bring out a ‘tsunami march’ which will be the biggest show in the history of Pakistan] Let's see how his Double Standards are exposed!
@PTI Karachi:
Your comments are a stark reminder of the lack of intelligence prevalent in the PTI and in the country writ large. Nobody has an automatic "right" to rule Pakistan, irrespective of race, religion, history, institution or legacy. However, it's people who think like you that are the cause of all the ills the country faces today. In fact, we've spent more than half our existence under Army rule because our Armed Forces feels they have the only legitimate right to rule the country. Every religious party, terrorist organizations, and Imran Khan and his band of lotas believes God has sent them to earth to ensure Pakistan is put "on the rigtheous path". The sad part is that the ones who have the legitimate right to rule are the masses, whose voice will only be heard through representatives once elected via a free and fair election process.
S.c take a good decition against imran khan. If the leader of the party targeting the s.c how common man react when he does not like decition. Imran khan contemp the court and let the case in s.c and see what decition are. Supreme court is the piller of constitution and every one should respect him.
@PTI Karachi:
Day of Judgment as we believe will be more tough than to face the Firon in this world. Victory will belong to truth and not to self called lords who think their deeds are not questionable.
Perfect!!!
Imran, we are with you. Go on and speak like you always do.
“After the resignation of the CEC, there is a constitutional crisis in the country and the PPP thinks it can only be resolved through the resignation of the chief justice,” said PPP Secretary-General Sardar Latif Khosa.
Censor Cell in ET is very much active, they always neglect my real comments against Present Firaoons :D though my lighter comments receive their approval.
Would Pakistan's court follow the precedent set by Bangladesh courts on JeI?
Trust me, this drama will have happy ending tomorrow for both sides for obvious reasons. The reasons cannot be mentioned as our respected judiciary is involved.
He should speak carefully, and avoid emotional talk especially with regards to Supreme Court. If convicted of contempt of court, he can forget about ever being elected again
@PTI Karachi: I support PTI but that comment is appalling! You're generalizing an entire race.
So much love and respect for Imran Khan, we are with you IK and won't let you down!
Dear IK going into SC with Hamid Khan is the biggest blunder.Salman Akram Raja is the best man for the job.
I hope being leader of the Nation he will uphold the supremacy of Law.
Imran should stay firm and not change his stance. Enough is enough.Jusges are not god. There should be nothing called contempt of court.people who are advising him to tender an unconfitional apology are wrong.Imran Khan will fight back like a lion.