Supreme Court disposes of contempt plea against PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal

The Supreme Court on Tuesday disposed of the contempt petition against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former federal minister Ahsan Iqbal, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

“It is our job to determine whether there has been contempt of court or not,” Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial said while hearing the case.

“There is no justification to continue this case,” the chief justice remarked and thanked petitioner Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi for informing the court about what Ahsan Iqbal had said.

“Ahsan Iqbal is a disciplined person. He, in his speech at a seminar in 2018, said that politicians’ self-respect should also be protected. I don’t think something was said that could be viewed as contempt of court,” the chief justice remarked.

“My argument is that no one is above the Constitution and the law,” petitioner Mehmood Naqvi said.

“Do not speak in front of the court. The Supreme Court’s power of contempt of court is not for general use,” the chief justice said to the petitioner.

“In my view, Ahsan Iqbal is a very serious and intellectual person. He, in an emotional speech, said his honour is equal to that of a judge or a general,” he added.

“After five years, what Ahsan Iqbal should be questioned for? We will see if something serious happens. The Supreme Court is not taking any strict notice of this. Our decisions should have enough weight to be followed,” he declared.

A two-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial, heard the case.

It is to be noted here that Ahsan Iqbal stated on April 25, 2018, that politicians too have respect as a judge or a general.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori