Former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Judge Rana Shamim on Monday submitted in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) his original affidavit accusing former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar of conspiring to deny bails to top Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership prior to the 2018 general elections.
Chief Justice IHC Justice Athar Minallah had issued the order after going through the reply submitted by Justice Shamim in which he explained reasons for executing the statement on oath — dated November 10, 2021.
During today’s hearing, Lateef Afridi, Shamim’s legal counsel, informed the court that the affidavit had been submitted to the IHC and the former judge has been “standing by his statement since the first day”, reports Dawn.
“The real affidavit was sealed and has now been brought to Pakistan on the court’s order,” said Afridi.
Justice Minallah said the sealed envelope was in its original condition and had not been opened by the court yet.
“The attorney general had said the media’s role is secondary. Rana Shamim has admitted that the content published in the newspaper (The News report) is [the same as] in his affidavit. Rana Shamim has cast doubt on all judges of the IHC,” the chief justice said, adding that the court had already made it clear that it did not fear criticism.
Justice Minallah then turned to Shamim’s counsel and asked him to open the envelope, upon which the counsel said that a new inquiry could be started by opening a sealed envelope.
“This is an open inquiry. This is our accountability,” the judge said. He added that Shamim had apparently made “a very big statement without any evidence” and given an impression that all IHC judges were “compromised”.
Afridi said his client maintained that he did not “leak” the affidavit.
“Can a finger be pointed at any judge of this court? The court will not ask the journalist about the source of his news. This court is hearing many important cases related to fundamental rights,” Justice Minallah remarked.
The judge called for evidence to be presented regarding the public opinion that was being built, saying the public’s trust in the court should not be eroded.
“This court will not deviate from the law,” Justice Minallah remarked. He added that the next hearing would be held on Thursday. However, Afridi said he would not be able to attend the hearing on that date.
Subsequently, Afridi requested the court to adjourn the hearing until after winter vacations were over. However, Justice Minallah observed that the IHC had not issued any notification about vacations.
The hearing was adjourned till December 28.
