ISLAMABAD
Chief Justice (CJ) Islamabad High Court (IHC) Athar Minallah has remarked why so much concern is expressed over opening of courts at night as narrative has been made courts were opened.
He further remarked is there any political reason behind this narrative. The court does not fear from any one except Almighty Allah. What is the difference between political narratives against Supreme Court (SC) and attack on it.
CJ IHC gave these remarks while hearing the case against harassment of the journalist and anchor person Arshid Sharif here Friday.
Arshid Sharif appeared before the court. PFUJ former president Afzal Butt also reached the court along with Arshid Sharif.
Faisal Chaudhry counsel for Arshid Sharif told the court Arshid Sharif is present here. He returned to home due to court’s interference.
The CJ IHC remarked court is here for every one. Have you watched Kashif Abbasi program. Too much was said without verification of facts. He said why the court opened at night.
The courts will open at 3 o’clock at night if the matter relates to constitution or some marginalized section of society. What order was issued by SC which affected any one. A narrative was made that the courts opened. The courts will open and they will not allow any one to defy the constitution.
Faisal Chaudhry said only those can tell about it who have conducted the program
The court remarked it was said about this court that CJ reached the court.
Do you want that the court should not hear the cases of instant nature. This court does not believe in contempt of court. There is notification of 2019.
The court inquired from ARY reporter had he given press release to his channel. This court heard the case of Mati Ullah Jan at what time. Your petitioner had not signed and even then the court heard the petition. The court heard not only one petition but also it heard several petitions after its closing hours.
There is responsibility too. You should be happy over it that violation of the constitution is not being allowed. If some one lifts Arshid Sharif at 3 Oclock at night then should court not hear it. Are there any political causes of it. You want that people lose their trust on court. SC has given clear message that a step contrary to the constitution will not be allowed to be taken.
The court observed you know this petition was dismissed with fine. All are saying that the courts opened. Your think not the court but your channel understands the constitution better. A narrative has been made on lie that the courts opened. Your channel has conducted how many programs on missing persons or Baloch students.
The court inquired from Afzal Butt you are here as representative of media. Tell us is this attitude correct. Reporters give correct news but those sitting in the office are not aware of the fact often. They offer incorrect comments. The institutions are being devastated for the sake of political narrative.
This is not being done for the first time. SC is the highest forum for interpretation of the constitution. You are advised not to do this thing as it is not in the interest of Pakistan. Your channel has raised voice for the missing persons how much which is real issue. The court will open for basic rights.
These narratives are of no use. The senior judges of SC are discussed only for this reason that they can not respond. Do tell us where we commit mistake. I ask from all of you what happened at that night. Has any court passed any order.
The court further remarked the court heard the petitions of the journalists after closing hours. Such impression is given that we sat at some one’s behest. Can any one access to us. It is in our law that the chief justice can hear any time a case of paramount and instant nature.
A notification was issued in this regard in 2019. Petition will reach me with reference to it. I have to decide about it that it involves matter of instant and important nature or otherwise. Political narrative is being used against the institution. Don’t do so with the institutions. Demonstrate responsibility. Court reporters are doing great job. Nothing should have been hidden from them.
The court further observed the petition filed by Arshid Sharif was merely a piece of paper. We heard it.
The journalist Arshid Sharif told the court we want to raise issue of missing persons but threats are received from some unknown persons. There is undeclared censorship in this regard.
The court wrapped up the petition with necessary directives.
