Scandalising high treason verdict: SC moved for contempt proceedings against Firdous Ashiq Awan, Farogh Naseem, AGP

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) was requested on Thursday to initiate contempt of court proceedings against Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Adviser to the Prime minister on Information and Broadcasting, Farogh Naseem, Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Ali Khan and others for scandalising the Special Court and its judge for announcing the verdict in high treason case against General (R) Pervez Musharraf.

Shabbir Hussain Gigyani Advocate has filed the petition under Article 204 of the Constitution read with sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003 for initiating contempt of court proceedings against Firdous Asiq Awan, Federal Minister for Law Farogh Naseem, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Ali Khan, Shahzad Akbar and Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry.

He submitted that the Special Court, presided by the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth announced the historical verdict in case of High Treason against the accused General (R) Pervez Musharraf vide short order dated 17-12-2019 followed by the detail judgment dated 19-12-2019.

He further stated that the contemnors, who also hold the public offices and being representative of the government beneficiaries of the above referred judgment, too, held press conferences and advanced their statements/views on 17-12-2019, 18-12-2019 & 19-12-2019, which aired on different news channels as well as on social media. “The media statements and press conferences have not only scandalised the court, the worthy judge, the judicature but also bring the same into hatred, ridicule and derogatory position”, the petitioner submitted.

He contended that apart from scandalising the court, the “contemnors” have attacked the character of the judge, blemished the quality of the judicial work and imputed the improper motivation.

Keeping in view the unrebutted and undisputed status of the offence/contempt committed by the “contemnors” they are no more “qualified” for any post, public office or membership of Parliament as they are not true to their oath taken for the supremacy of law and the Constitution.

Supported by Advocate Amjid Afridi, the petitioner prayed that on acceptance of this petition, this court may very graciously be pleased to deal with the “contemnors” according to law and prosecute/punish them for contempt of court.

He further prayed to the apex court to direct their disqualification for holding any post, public office or membership of Parliament.