Following the publishing of Rana Shamim’ estimony concerning the Sharif family’s pleas in a daily newspaper the year before, the court’s contempt case was brought before IHC Presiding Judge Athar Minallah.
Rana Shamim Apology:
The allegation involving ex-premier leader Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz was allegedly influenced by the ex-chief justice Saqib Nisar, according to the affidavit of Shamim.
Shamim apologized and said that the affidavit was prepared three years later, at the age of 72, under “severe psychological strain,” through the assistance of his attorney Latif Afridi. He stated that since the legal action over him began last year, he felt “deeply sad and sorry.”
He continued, “I reaffirm that no judge Or jury of our Hon’ble Court involves in the dispute indicated above. I cannot even think of scandalizing the same organization I have served with such ultimate professionalism and devotion.”
“I express honest explanation to all sitting Jurists of this Honourable Court for the serious lack of understanding and error on my side,” he stated. “I lay me at the charity of this Hon’ble Court and humbly plead that you mercifully pardon me.”
Athar Minallah, chief justice of the court, said during the hearing that the court would guarantee a proper hearing and would not apply the statute against libel to the judiciary based on trivial criticism.
It is Rana Shamim’s responsibility to demonstrate that the affidavit is accurate, he continued. Shamim intends to confess, the chief justice stated, but he must first establish the accuracy of the affidavit’s claims.
“If he is unable to do so, Rana Shamim should repent and explain that there was a miscommunication. Then, that will be taken into account,” he stated.
The court will determine what is true, CJ Minallah said, and if Shamim can show that he is correct, the court won’t punish him.
Afridi informed the court during the hearing that his client had pleaded for unreserved pardon and had placed himself at the disposal of the law. If a sincere apology was made, according to the chief justice, it was not an ego issue.
The testimony from Shamim was then read by Afridi. The attorney was reprimanded by the chief justice for complicating the situation further.
He questioned Shamim’s commitment to his sworn deposition and added that requesting an apology and upholding the affidavit could not coexist.
The claims couldn’t be disregarded, the chief justice declared. He informed the attorney that he had been given one week by the court to prepare and file his affidavit.
