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No reason to refuse ‘benefit of doubt’ to Imran Khan: IHC issues detailed verdict

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  • IHC issues 16-page detailed verdict in Khan’s contempt case.
  • Court satisfied with PTI chief’s explanation and apology.
  • “There is no reason to further proceed,” IHC says.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued its detailed verdict in a contempt of court case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

In its detailed judgement, the five-member bench of the IHC, comprising then-IHC chief justice Athar Minallah, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri and Justice Babar Sattar expressed satisfaction over the apology tendered by former prime minister Khan.

“There is no reason to further proceed with the contempt and therefore, we hereby discharge the respondent [Imran Khan] and consequently the show cause notice served upon him is withdrawn,” Justice Minallah wrote in the 16-page verdict.

The ex-premier was facing contempt charges for his controversial remarks about Judicial Magistrate Zeba Chaudhry at a rally in Islamabad on August 20.

In its detailed verdict, the IHC, however, said that the language, tone, and context were indeed inappropriate and definitely not expected from a political leader who had recently served as the prime minister.

Referring to his apology, the five-judge bench said it was satisfied with the PTI chief’s explanation and apology but he was asked to submit an affidavit.

“The respondent [Khan] filed his affidavit reiterating therein what he had stated before us. He had also appeared in the court of the honourable judge with intent to tender his apology but she was on leaves.”

“The conduct of the respondent, his explanation and apology, particularly his appearance in the court of the honourable judge, manifest that the regretful acknowledgement regarding the utterances made by him was bona fide.”

“There is no reason to refuse extending the benefit of doubt to the respondent,” read the judgement.

However, Justice Kayani and Justice Sattar disagreed with the paragraph relating to the doubt of benefit to the respondent in the case.

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26th Constitutional Amendment: Naqvi Congratulates the Nation on the Amendment’s Approval

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The ratification of the 26th Constitutional Amendment bill has been hailed as a success for the people of Pakistan by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has congratulated the entire country.

The Interior Minister said in a statement that the triumph of the Pakistani people is a tribute to Allah.

In particular, he praised Allied Party leaders and JUI(F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for their support, and he declared that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s historic and constructive role would never be forgotten.

Mohsin Naqvi commended the work of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Their unrelenting efforts have paid off, he said. He underlined that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was the result of a concerted and unrelenting effort by all leaders.

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Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that it had been 12 days since the last hearing on Bushra’s bail application.

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Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that it had been 12 days since the last hearing on Bushra’s bail application.

Justice Aurangzeb stated, “I experienced a high fever during my last appearance in court on October 9.”

“The recovery process was prolonged,” he noted.

Safdar said that the value of the gifts was diminished by a private purchaser, who he claimed had turned approver against Bushra Bibi.

Safdar stated that the customs authorities then assessed the worth of the commodities and found no irregularities.

Justice Aurangzeb queried, “Was it the decision of the then-executive (Imran Khan) to accept the gift after remitting 50% of the total value?”

The FIA prosecutor stated that no precedent exists for accepting gifts at 50% of their worth.

“What are your instructions on the bail application of Bushra Bibi?” Justice Aurangzed conducted a further inquiry.

“We will contest it,” stated the FIA prosecutor.

The court subsequently postponed the hearing until October 23.

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The President has signed the 26th constitutional amendment, and a notification has been issued.

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On Monday, the 26th amendment was ratified by President Asif Ali Zardari, bringing the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan up to date.

Following days of negotiations between the opposition and the Treasury, the amendment was finally approved by the National Assembly and the Senate on Sunday night.

The prime minister signed the recommendation to be forwarded to the president of Pakistan for confirmation following the amendment’s approval by both chambers of the legislature.

Following its implementation, the amendment’s notification was also released.

Recall that a legislative committee will select Pakistan’s top justice following the amendment’s implementation.

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