The Superior Court of Islamabad (IHC) issued on Monday the contempt of the Court notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the members of their federal cabinet for breach in the case related to the efforts for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
The court ordered the Federal Government to present an answer within two weeks.
A written order, written by Judge Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, said a repeated executive challenge pattern and interference in judicial functions.
“Despite the court order, the Federal Government did not present reasons before the court,” said the IHC. “The Court has no option to issue the Court notice to the Federal Government.”
Judge Ejaz commented that the judiciary had been under a persistent attack.
“We have witnessed an attack after another in the pillars of justice. These attacks have repeatedly injured the justice system and led it to the edge of collapse.”
In addition, he said: “Today, another example of assault on the Judiciary has come to light.”
Referring to the administrative interference in the operation of the court, Judge EJaz observed: “The delivery of justice by a judge of the Superior Court was being controlled through a weekly list under the office of the President of the Justice Court.”
“This situation is horrible and absurd at the same time,” he said. “It is a contradiction that has now become the distinctive seal of this Superior Court.”
Judge EJAZ also recalled that since the 26th Constitutional amendment, a so -called “demolition squad” had effectively taken to the Superior Court.
“The executive tricks became evident elsewhere,” he said, added that judicial procedures were restricted through the list mechanism.
He pointed out that the judges who wish to listen to cases during the judicial holidays were denied permission for the court administration.
“If a judge wishes to hold a court during the holidays to deliver justice, the administration of the Superior Court will not allow it,” he said.
The judge added that the government had received a wide opportunity to comply.
“The court had given the government the opportunity to submit its report,” Judge Ejaz said.
The assistant attorney general was previously warned that contempt procedures would begin if the report was not presented.
Instead of submitting the report, the Government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the order to submit an amended application, the court said.
“For some reason, the Supreme Court did not hear the case of the government,” said Judge Ejaz.
