Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday issued disdain for announcements to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his federal cabinet over non -compliance in the case of efforts on the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
The court ordered 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 performing despite and interference in legal functions.
“Despite the judicial decision, the federal government did not fail to present the reasons to the court,” IHC said. “The court has no choice other than issuing a contempt for the notice to the federal government.”
Justice Ejaz noted that the judiciary had been under persistent attacks.
“We have witnessed one attack after another on justice columns. These attacks have repeatedly wounded the justice system and brought it to the brink of collapse.”
He also said, “Today, another example of assault on the judiciary has emerged.”
With reference to administrative interference with the function of the court, Justice Ejaz observed, “Justice of a Supreme Court Judge was checked through a weekly list under Chief Justice’s office.”
“This situation is both terrible and absurd at the same time,” he said. “It is a contradiction that has now become characteristic of this Supreme Court.”
Justice Ejaz also remembered that since the 26th constitutional amendment, a so -called “demolition group” was effectively brought into High Court.
“The director’s tricks became clear elsewhere,” he said, adding that litigation was limited through the guard mechanism.
He pointed out that the judges who wanted to hear cases during legal holidays were denied permission from the court’s administration.
“If a judge wants to hold the court during vacations to provide justice, the High Court administration will not allow 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,” said Justice Ejaz.
Assistant Legal Attorney was warned earlier that contempt negotiations would be initiated if the report was not filed.
Instead of submitting to the report, the government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the order to submit an amended application, the Court noted.
“Whatever reason, the Supreme Court did not hear the government’s case,” Justice Ejaz noted.
