Islamabad: Senator Faisal Wawda on Wednesday tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court in the contempt case, saying he had left himself at the apex court’s mercy.
“Keeping the teachings of Islam, I sincerely and unconditionally apologize and remain at the mercy of the court,” Wawda said in his reply to the show cause notice issued by the SC.
The development comes after the top court took suo motu notice from the senator last month against the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge in a press conference.
The former federal information minister said the agency’s name was repeatedly mentioned.
“Stop targeting the institution, that’s enough. If there is an obstacle by the institution, give evidence and we will stand together […] we will give evidence and stand by you,” he said.
The lawmaker was referring to a letter written by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) alleging interference in the judicial process by members of the executive, including intelligence officials.
The IHC judges who wrote to the SJC are: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Yshaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Saman Fafat Imtiaz.
Wawda also asked the IHC to disclose its letter to Justice Minister Athar Minallah and IHC Justice Babar Sattar on the green card issue, which was granted by the court.
In the last hearing on June 5, the court rejected Kamal’s request to immediately accept his apology in the defamation suo motu case, while Wawda refused to apologize for her words against the judge.
However, in a four-page reply to the court’s show-cause notice, Wawda sought to stay from the contempt proceedings against the court along with the withdrawal of the show-cause notice.
The politician reflected at the press conference and said that he respects the judicial system and has no intention of undermining his dignity or independence.
The former federal minister said he met with scholars after the June 5 hearing and consulted with them on how senators, as Muslims, should conduct themselves in the judiciary from the perspective of the Quran. Although the government wants to help the judiciary in its own reforms for the welfare of the people of Pakistan.
“The defendant realizes that maintaining the public image and appreciation of the judicial system is essential for the judiciary to function […] and to be a beacon of hope and well-being for the people of Pakistan,” read Wawda’s response.
The politician also said that he was aware that the press conference could be contested, and that he deeply regretted the damage he had caused.
He also reiterated his commitment to stand behind the judicial system and said he was ready to take steps deemed necessary and appropriate by the court.
Notably, the SC will hear the suo motu defamation case against Wawda and Kamal on June 28 (Anna).