IHC accepts Firdous, Ghulam Sarwar’s apology in contempt case

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) accepted the unconditional apology of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan and Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan in contempt of court case on Monday. LHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah announced the reserved verdict against Firodus Ashiq Awan and the minister for aviation in contempt of court case. The IHC chief justice disposed the case and acquitted the special assistant and Ghulam Sarwar in contempt of court case and accepted the apology of both the ruling party representatives on their comment about the court decision of former prime minster Nawaz Sharif. During the hearing, Justices Athar Minullah remarked that the court of contempt was committed but court accepted the unconditional apology. “It seems the judiciary and doctors are wrong after their comments on the decision,” he said. The chief justice explained that this opinion was being created on the governmental level so clarified the matter through court proceedings. “We don’t frighten from criticism, he remarked. Meanwhile, Justice Athar Minullah took back the issued notice of contempt of court and disposed the ongoing case. On November 14, the IHC reserved verdict on Firdous Ashiq Awan and Ghulam Sarwar Khan’s unconditional apology in contempt of court case. Firdous Ashiq Awan and Ghulam Sarwar Khan appear before IHC in contempt of court case. The hearing of the case was presided over by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah who reserved the verdict on the minister for aviation’s unconditional apology. The decision will be announced on November 25. During the hearing, the IHC chief justice had remarked, “You have been summoned and availed opportunity to give your stance in hearing. You can comment about me but not under trial case.” “My client is representative of more than 0.2 million voters but we don’t want to fight this case and tendered unconditional apology,” Ghulam Sarwar’s lawyer said. On the other hand, Firdous Ashiq Awan had submitted unconditional apology in the previous hearing. The IHC reserved its verdict on Firdous and Sarwar’s apology. In the previous hearing, Firdous Ashiq Awan tendered unconditional apology from IHC in contempt of court case. She had taken back her remarks regarding the courts and judges and tendered unconditional apology. The IHC has rejected Firdous Awan’s apology and directed her to reappear on November 14. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that the ministers and special assistants are designated to restore nation’s trust on the government. The court has also issued notice to federal minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan to attend the hearing on the same day. Firdous requested the IHC to separate her case from Ghulam Sarwar Khan matter which was rejected by the IHC chief justice. Later, the court summoned Ghulam Sarwar and Firdous Ashiq Awan on November 14. Justice Athar Minullah remarked that when the government representatives himself commented about deal, then who will deal? He also said that the government only can deal. The court directed the special assistant to reappear in IHC on November 11 with her written reply. On Friday, the IHC has accepted Firdous Ashiq Awan’s apology in a contempt of court case for criticizing and politicize the court. However, the IHC issued her a fresh show cause notice for trying to influence the court’s proceedings.