Even dictators never threatened judges' kids like Nehal, feels SC

ISLAMABAD: While the hearing of suo moto action against ex-Senator Nehal Hashmi, Supreme Court judge Justice Azmat Saeed said even dictators never threatened judges' families and kids like the government lawmaker.

The 3-member bench led by Justice Ejaz Afzal heard the contempt of court case. The apex court had taken notice on Wednesday of Nehal Hashmi's threatening speech to judiciary and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and served him a contempt of court notice. 

Also, in the heat of the moment, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had revoked his party membership. Nehal Hashmi had to relinquish his seat in the Upper House.

Nehal Hashmi and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali were called to the rostrum. "Are you aware of what is happening?" Justice Ejaz Afzal asked Ashtar Ausaf Ali. The SC judge went on to say that they will not be afraid of any harsh consequences, adding that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for Panama case was formed by the apex court as directions were given to the SC Registrar in a legal way with transparency.

Later on, Justice Azmat Saeed addressed to the Attorney General and stated that the government tried to threaten the judges' families, such act was not even attempted by any military dictator in the past. Justice Ijaz ul Hassan complained how the government remained silent on then Senator Nehal Hashmi's statements for two days.

On the other hand, Nehal Hashmi told the court that his statements were not aimed at judiciary. "I am on fast, my statements weren't against anyone," he maintained. Supreme Court declared Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali as prosecutor of the suo moto notice before postponing the ruling for the next five days.

The court adjourned after giving directions to the former Senator to submit a written reply which will be compared with his video remarks.

The judge added that the dignity of the courts will be maintained at all costs. "We don't care what will be the end result," Justice Ejaz Afzal said. He went on to say that the Supreme Court had made the JIT and the top court had told the Registrar what should be done.

"Registrar does everything he can for the court," he said. In the hearing, Hashmi sweared upon God that he was fasting on the day he made the speech on which judge remarked that they fast as well. Justice Ejaz-ul-Hassan, in his remarks, said that a campaign is being run against the judges.

Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed that not even the worst enemy threatens children. "Terrorists issue threats to children," he said. The hearing of the case was adjourned till 5th June. - NNI