ISLAMABAD: The government is firmly committed to pursuing the contempt case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Amir Rehman informed the Supreme Court during a hearing on the contempt plea related to the party's May 25, 2022, long march.
The federal government had filed the plea against the alleged violation of court's orders linked to the protest call.
The hearing was conducted by a seven-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan and included Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan.
During the hearing, Justice Aminuddin questioned whether the government genuinely intended to pursue the petition. The AAG responded affirmatively, saying that the government sought a serious hearing on the matter.
Rehman further argued that the PTI founder violated a court order during the long march on May 25, 2022.
Justice Aminuddin remarked that if the court issued a notice, the PTI founder would have to appear in person and instructed the additional attorney general to seek guidance on presenting the jailed former prime minister in court.
Justice Mandokhail emphasised that contempt cases are strictly between the court and the accused, urging the parties not to become emotional as the court was offering a clear path forward.
Salman Akram Raja, counsel for the PTI founder, informed the court that his client had already submitted a response. He contended that the court’s verbal order had not reached the PTI founder, partly due to the disruption of mobile services, which had hindered communication between the legal team and their client.
Justice Hilali inquired whether a notice had been served to the PTI founder. In response, Raja clarified that his client had filed the response only after receiving the notice.
The constitutional bench subsequently adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
The cricketer-turned-politician gave his supporters a call to march to Islamabad to demand dissolution of assemblies and a date for elections following his ouster via a no-confidence motion by the multiple party alliance — Pakistan Democtratic Movement earlier that year.
The hearing of the case concerning the trial of civilians in military courts took place before the same seven-member constitutional bench.
The AAG requested an adjournment, citing the unavailability of Khawaja Haris, the counsel for the Ministry of Defence, due to health issues.
Rehman informed the court that Haris was unable to attend due to a stomach ailment. Accepting the request, the constitutional bench adjourned the hearing until Thursday.
During the proceedings, advocate Latif Khosa’s request to transfer detained individuals to regular prisons was rejected.
However, Justice Aminuddin noted that arrangements could be made to allow the detainees to meet their families, as previously assured by the Attorney General.
Justice Aminuddin also advised Khosa to remain focused on the ongoing case, instructing him not to deviate from the matter under consideration.
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