IHC justice livid on cancellation of cause list

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan made strong remarks on cancelation of the cause list in cases related to incarcerated former premier Imran Khan’s meetings in Adiala Jail.

Justice Ishaq said that instead of canceling the cause list, you should have blown up the foundations of the court with dynamite.

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He made these remarks during hearing of a contempt of court case for not allowing founder for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan to meet with his family or PTI leaders, despite the court order. Justice Ishaq had summoned the IHC Deputy Registrar Judicial Sultan Mahmood for transferring the case to another bench.

Justice Ishaq also asked the State Council if he was involved in the transference of the case. He asked, “On whose orders did you cancel the cause list? Under which law was the miscellaneous application for transfer of the case filed? Does the state support transferring the case to a larger bench without the consent of the judge?”

The judge expressed his anger and said that instead of doing this, you should have blown up the foundations of my court by placing explosives in it. We are not able to resolve basic questions. We stand at the same place on basic principles every 10 years.

The IHC justice said that the contempt of court case is between the court and the alleged offender, adding, “If a judge gives a verdict against the government, will the case be withdrawn from him and sent to another bench?”

He also spoke on the impact of lack of law and order on the economic aspects of the country, saying “who will invest in such a situation?”

Justice Ishaq said that there is no greater folly than believing that the economy can develop without the rule of law. “This is not a matter of my character or my authority, but rather a matter of respecting the High Court. Will the public have faith in the justice system in this way?” he asked.

Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson, Mashal Yousafzai, stated in court, “If judges are being treated this way, imagine how Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, must be treated in jail.”

Justice Ishaq replied, “At this time, I am worried about my institution, the guided missile that was heading towards you has turned towards us.” He added, “If cancer is not stopped at the beginning, it grows.”

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Justice Ishaq said, “If the office is ordered to stop the cause list of this suo motu proceeding, the court will call the case itself. The state wants the judges to give only the verdicts that are according to its wishes.”

“If this issue is not resolved, my confidence as a judge in delivering justice to the people will be lost,” Justice Ishaq said.

Afterwards, the court adjourned the hearing of the case until tomorrow.