Islamabad:
Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar on Thursday warned the prominent rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir that she could face contempt of allegedly referring to him as a “dictator”.
The verbal quarrel took place during the hearing of a petition to remove the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Mahrung Baloch’s name from Exit Control List (ECL). Imaan had represented Mahrang in court.
“You need to keep your mouth shut and stay within the limits of respect,” said Chief Justice Dogar, annoyed by previously alleged remarks from Imaan apparently out of reach of the case. He referred to her who called him a “dictator” and refused to issue any directives on the current question.
During the hearing, the court was assessed by Deputy Attorney Arshad Kayani that the approval of the cabinet would be necessary before a final decision on the removal of Mahrang’s name from ECL could be made.
However, Chief Justice, who directs her comments against Imaan, said, “Mrs. Mazari will go downstairs and hold a program that says a dictator is sitting in court.”
Without specifying which remarks IHC Chief Justice, insisted, IMAAN insisted that her personal statements were protected under freedom of speech and should not affect her client’s case. “I’m here with one [legal] Short, not in a personal feature. “
The heated exchange continued with Chief Justice Dogar warning imaan about possible contempt fees. Adding fuel to the fire, he turned to Imaan’s husband and co -lawyer, lawyer Hadi Ali Chatta, and said, “Hadi SaHib, explain it to her … If I catch her one day …”
