SC gives Nehal Hashmi more time to file reply

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday granted more time to Senator Nehal Hashmi to file his reply until August 21 in the contempt charges framed against him as well as presenting his witnesses.

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 in the contempt proceeding against PML-N Senator Nehal Hashmi for his speech, threatening the institutions of dire consequences.

Chief Justice of Pakistan had had taken a suo moto notice of Nehal Hashmi address to a public gathering which had gone viral on social media last month in which he hurled threats to those interrogating the premier and his family in Panama Paper case.

During the course of hearing, Haji Adam, Director General Pemra, appeared as a witness with recorded statement and filed CDs and transcript of Hashmi’s speech telecast on TV channels.

Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed asked the DG Pemra as to why he did not submit transcript of speech aired on ARY News, violating his oath before the court. The justice observed that intentionally the CD and transcript of that channel was not filed. “Don’t cheat the court”, he said.

Justice Ijazul Ahsen, observed that prima facie, Nehal Hashmi has committed contempt of court.

Nehal Hashmi’s counsel Hashmat Habib submitted that his client wants to bring witnesses from Karachi, but cannot bear their expenses. The honourable judge took exception to this observing, “Prima facie Hashmi has committed contempt”.

The counsel contended that the prosecution has still not provided the context along with the CD, which contains speech. The court, however, reminded the counsel that he had already submitted the material in the apex court.

He further said that the prosecution has submitted the list of the witnesses, adding that TV channels have twisted the facts for which they have also filed applications against the channels as well.

Justice Ijaz asked the counsel: “Do you mean to say that your client did not do anything, but the channels were responsible for the wrongdoing.” The counsel said the SC registrar did not mention in his note that Hashmi committed contempt of court. Justice Ijaz said if the registrar did not write this then it is no problem, as the whole Pakistan knows about it.

The counsel questioned as to why the court did not initiate contempt proceeding against Imran Khan as all this has happened due to him. Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, however, told the counsel that there is no case against Imran before them.

Justice Azmat Saeed told the counsel that the court would decide the matter on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law, adding that full opportunity would be provided to Nehal Hashmi to defend himself.

Meanwhile, Hashmat Habib again sought time to file his reply explaining everything with detail. The court however, recalled that he had already filed his statement.

The counsel however, contended that he wants to inform the court, the circumstances, in which his client made the speech.