IHC issues contempt notice to PM, federal cabinet in Aafia Siddiqui case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued contempt of court notices to the prime minister and the entire federal cabinet for failing to submit a report in the Aafia Siddiqui case, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan heard the case and expressed strong disapproval at the non-submission of the report. He declared that the next hearing would be held on the first working day after the court’s summer recess.

During the proceedings, Justice Ishaq remarked that administrative powers were once again being used to obstruct judicial authority. He firmly stated, "I will not let justice be defeated. To uphold the dignity of the Court, I will exercise my judicial powers."

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan also announced the issuance of contempt notices to each member of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's federal cabinet.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan also noted that the government had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against his earlier decision.

He clarified that the roster of IHC judges is managed by the Chief Justice’s Office and that he had been informed on Thursday that no cause list would be issued unless alterations were made to it.

Justice Ishaq revealed that he had originally planned to begin his vacation on July 21 but revoked his leave today due to the urgency and sensitivity of the Aafia Siddiqui case. He informed the Chief Justice’s Office of his decision to hear this case alongside others today.

He further stated that he had instructed his personal secretary to request the Chief Justice for changes in the cause list, emphasising that judge rosters have previously been adjusted for specific cases.

Justice Ishaq reiterated that no judge can work during their official leave, and therefore, the case will be heard again on the first working day after court vacations conclude.

Later, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui's lawyer, Imran Shafiq Advocate, said in a media talk that if a High Court judge makes a judicial order, it is the responsibility of the Registrar's Office and the administrative side of the Chief Justice to implement it.

He said he was surprised that an obstacle was put in the way of justice to protect the powerful class. He said that Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq, while passing a strict order, has issued a show-cause notice to the Prime Minister and the entire federal cabinet for contempt of court as to why they did not implement the court order.

Reporter: Ehtesham Kiyani