Imran Khan submits another reply to IHC, offers regrets but no apology

PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday submitted a new reply in the Islamabad High Court in a contempt case extending his regrets over his ‘inadvertent’ rant against a female judicial officer but there was no mention of any apology, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In his reply, the former premier expressed his remorse saying that he was sorry over his remarks against the female judicial officer. He confessed that his remarks were unintentional as he didn’t mean to hurt the sentiments of a female adjudicator. 

“I feel sorry if a female judge is hurt,’ the PTI chief wrote. 

In his 19-page long reply, the PTI chief hoped that the court would discharge notice against him following his explanation and by acting upon the Islamic principle of forgiveness. 

In his reply, Imran wrote: "That the purpose of the contempt law is not to punish anyone but to uphold the majesty of law. The respondent [Khan] believes in the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution. 

“The respondent takes this opportunity to express his deep regrets over his unintentional utterances during the course of his speech at a rally which was taken out in response to the shocking news of the physical torture of Shahbaz Gill.

“The respondent neither meant to threaten the lady judge nor could he think of doing so. The respondent has respect for the judiciary including the Subordinate judiciary and he believes that judges of the Subordinate/District judiciary should be strong and independent in order to dispense justice to the common man.

“Those utterances were never meant to interfere with or in any way influence the course of administration of justice. The respondent believes that courts all over Pakistan are adhering to the rule of law and the constitution.”

Imran in his reply said that his utterances were bitterly criticized by his political opponents who wanted to oust him from the political field. 

He continued: “However, unfortunately, in order to gain political advantage, it has been bitterly criticized out of all proportions by those who see an opportunity for political point scoring and to oust the Respondent from the political arena.”

However, the PTI chief noted that the courts have "always recognised" and followed the Islamic principles of forgiveness and restraint.

"The respondent beseeches that the said Islamic Principles of ufve and forgiveness would also be followed in this case," Imran pleaded with the court.

The Islamabad High Court in its previous hearing on Aug 31 gave PTI Chairman Imran Khan another chance to submit a “well-considered” response in the contempt proceedings initiated against him for his controversial remarks about District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry, who had approved his chief of staff, Shahbaz Gill’s physical remand in a sedition case.

In its written order, the IHC found Imran’s reply, submitted on Aug 30, to be “unsatisfactory” asking him to submit another reply in seven days.

The IHC has summoned Imran and his lawyers on September 8 at 2:30pm.

Earlier in August, the IHC issued a show-cause notice to the PTI chairman over a contempt of court case after his remarks against Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry and asked him to appear personally before the bench on August 31.

During the previous hearing, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that he was personally hurt by the written statement submitted by the former prime minister. “You must understand the seriousness of the matter and answer thoughtfully or else the court will proceed with the matter.”

Reporter Ehtisham Kiyani