ISLAMABAD/QUETTA: The federal government has told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch should first approach the cabinet’s sub-committee to remove her name from the exit control list (ECL).
IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar took exception to the conduct of Advocate Imaan Mazari, saying that the lawyer had commented that the CJ is not a judge but a dictator.
CJ Dogar asked why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against her. Advocate Imaan said if such a situation has arisen that the court would threaten lawyers with contempt proceedings, then let it be done.
CJ Dogar heard the petition to remove Dr Mahrang’s name from the ECL. Advocate Imaan appeared in court on behalf of the petitioner. During the hearing, the counsel exchanged bitter words with the bench.
CJ Dogar said that if he passes any order in this matter, the counsel would comment in the media that a dictator is sitting in the court.
Advocate Imaan said she has not said anything that is outside the scope of the law and the constitution. CJ Dogar said the counsel should also stay within the scope of decency and keep quiet.
Advocate Imaan said that what she said was in a personal capacity and should not affect her client’s case. She said that if the court has any prejudice against her, it should not affect her client’s case.
She said she was in court with a brief, not in a personal capacity. Addressing Advocate Imaan’s husband, CJ Dogar asked him to explain to her the consequences.
Regarding the petition, the deputy attorney general said the petitioner should first go to the cabinet’s sub-committee to remove her name from the ECL. The court then adjourned the hearing.
Meanwhile, Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Quetta-I extended the physical remand of BYC chief organiser Dr Mahrang and three other leaders in police custody for 15 days.
They were brought by police before ATC judge Muhammad Ali Mobeen after the expiry of their remand. Police pleaded that Dr Mahrang and others were required for investigation, and requested extending their remand for 15 days.
Dr Mahrang’s lawyer Israr Baloch said the judge accepted the request, adding that Bebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahjee, Gulzadi Baloch and Beberg Baloch were also brought to the court.
Dr Mahrang was arrested, along with other BYC members, on March 22 on allegations of attacking the Civil Hospital Quetta and taking away the bodies brought by the security forces of the men allegedly killed in an operation against those who had hijacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express. The arrests were made a day after a sit-in they held with some bodies against alleged enforced disappearances. Dr Mahrang and other members were detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order, which empowers the authorities to detain individuals suspected of posing a threat to public order, for 30 days.However, the ATC has been extending their physical remand in police custody. Dr Mahrang and others are also facing cases registered against them at two police stations under different sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. Last month, an ATC in Karachi also issued non-bailable warrants for Dr Mahrang in a sedition case.
