The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday said that the court’s order not to arrest former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in lawyer murder case would stay, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC), headed by Justice Yahya Afridi, heard Imran’s petition against his nomination in the murder case of a lawyer from Quetta.
Speaking on the occasion, Amanullah Kanrani, counsel for the former prime minister, raised objections to the presence of two judges on the bench formed to hear his client’s petition.
He said that Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi had taken suo moto notice of elections in Ghulam Mehmood Dogar case, while the second judge, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, was appointed as a junior judge. “A case is also pending against him in the Sindh High Court (SHC),” he added.
Kanrani complained that his client’s case was not being heard on merit.
This infuriated the judges. Justice Rizvi remarked as to how he could malign the judges. “Please tell me as to which of my case is sub judice,” he asked.
Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi asked Imran’s lawyer as to who had allowed him to talk about the judges like this.
The judge did not stop there and told Kanrani categorically that he should not think that the judges are weak, and that they could not defend themselves. “You will have to give proofs in order to substantiate your claims,” Justice Naqvi said, adding, “Have you been given a special assignment to defame the judges?”
Addressing the judges, Kanrani said, “Please don’t shout. I am not a slave but a free citizen of this state, who has a right to express his opinion.”
Justice Naqvi questioned then who was the slave? “Are we?”
Counsel for the PTI chairman said after Asadullah, a lawyer, had objected to the presence of a judge on Balochistan High Court’s bench, full court was formed.
He went on to say that he had plenty of things to say about the judges; therefore it would be better if he was not provoked.
And when Kanrani was about sit on his chair, the bench stopped him.
Justice Afridi remarked that if he had reservations over the inclusion of these two judges in the bench, he ought to have conveyed his concerns in writing. “You should not have talked in such a manner at the rostrum,” the judge remarked.
Justice Rizvi asked Justice Afridi to tell Kanrani to give proofs to support his claims; or otherwise get ready to face contempt of court proceedings.
Addressing Imran’s lawyer, Justice Afridi asked him to immediately seek unconditional apology from the bench following which he sought forgiveness from the judges. “You are seniors to me. I better apologize to you,” he said, and added in the same breath, “However, if you become a party in the case, I will definitely speak out.”
Then addressing Justice Naqvi, Kanrani said, “If you still prefer to become a party, then you better recuse from the case.
PTI chief’s lawyer said his only demand was that his case should be heard on merit.
Justice Naqvi then asked Justice Rizvi whether he would accept the apology.
The latter replied that he would accept the apology provided the lawyer took back his words. “We have been associated with this profession for the last 35 years, and we have worked with dignity,” he added.
Then Justice Afridi asked Justice Naqvi whether he would accept the apology.
The latter replied, “Absolutely not.”
The court then adjourned the case’s hearing until August 24.
Reporter: Amanat Ali Gishkori