SC rejects Nehal’s reply to show-cause notice

ISLAMABAD:The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday rejected the reply submitted by Senator Nehal Hashmi in a show-cause notice issued to him for his speech, threatening the institutions of dire consequences and ruled that the senator will be indicted on July 10. 

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and comprising Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijazul Ahsen resumed hearing into the show-cause notice issued to Sentaor Nehal Hashmi. 

In pursuance of the court’s order, Senator Nehal Hashmi had filed his reply to the show- cause notice issued to him for his speech, threatening the institutions of dire consequences. He, while defending himself, contended that he is a “loyal Pakistani with regard for the judiciary, adding that he has served as an advocate for thirty years and his speech was not an “insult” to the judiciary.

The chief justice of Pakistan had taken a suo moto notice of Nehal Hashmi’s  address to a public gathering which had gone viral on social media last month in which he extended  threats and warning to those interrogating the premier and his family in Panama Paper case. 

On Friday, Hashmat Habib, counsel for Senator Hashmi, appeared before the court and submitted that his client has proceeded to Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah. 

The court, however, expressed its dismay over Nehal Hashmi’s leaving the country without securing exemption from appearance before the court in the current matter. The court observed that Hashmi should have intimated to it before proceeding abroad. Meanwhile, the court condoned Hashmi’s absence for one day. 

Hashmat Habib submitted before the apex court that Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali is only a prosecutor against his client, adding that the learned attorney general has written a letter to the Sindh provincial government being a principal law officer of the country which is against the law.

The court, however, acknowledged the competence and learning of Attorney General Ashter Ausaf and observed that he would properly conduct the proceeding while prosecuting Nehal Hashmi.  

The learned counsel informed the court that the police station Qadir Abad, Karachi, promptly registered the first information report (FIR) against his client upon the AG’s letter, adding that such a letter is an intervention of the Federal government in the provincial matter. 

He requested the court to issue directives to stop proceeding against his client under the Anti Terrorism Act in Karachi. Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, however, told the counsel that the court has nothing to do with such matter. 

Meanwhile, the court declared Nehal Hashmi’s reply as unsatisfactory and ruled that charged would be framed against Nehal Hashmi in the matter on next date of hearing on July 10 and adjourned further hearing.