Case of hanging banners against judges: Supreme Court directs IG Islamabad to personally monitor investigation

Expressing dissatisfaction over a report submitted by Islamabad Police related to displaying of banners and posters at various locations in federal capital especially Red Zone against judges, Supreme Court on Thursday directed Inspector General Police, Islamabad, to personally monitor the ongoing investigation. A three-member bench headed by Justice Aijaz Ejaz comprising Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Justice Mushir Alam was hearing the case of displaying banners and posters in Islamabad against Supreme Court judge Justice Jawwad S Khawaja.
The court observed the way things happened not only exposed the security of Supreme Court but also showed the Islamabad city's own security was at stake. The bench drew the attention of IGP Islamabad, who was present in the court, and remarked: "We want you to personally monitor the case in a bid to bring the perpetrators to book." IGP Tahir Alam Khan assured the court of his full co-operation, saying he would look into the matter personally.
On the last date of hearing, an investigative officer, who was given the job to probe into matter, submitted a report showing its inability to provide names of real culprit, therefore, the court had summoned the IGP, Islamabad. The same bench hearing contempt case against ARY Chief Executive Officer Salman Iqbal and anchorperson Mubashar Luqman issued directives to them to file written apology by February 12.
Khaleeq Zuberi informed the bench that he was engaged by ARY anchorperson and CEO the other day and needed time for preparation. He told that both Mubashir and Salman wanted to tender unconditional and unqualified apology for airing a programme in which scandalous remarks were uttered against the Supreme Court judge, adding they leave themselves at the mercy of the court.
However, Justice Ijaz said that they had earlier submitted conditional apology. Upon this the counsel said that he would like to withdraw the statement. The bench had framed contempt charges against both Mubashir Luqman and Salman Iqbal. Former Attorney General Irfan Qadir, who was representing them in the case, has been replaced with Anwar Mansoor and Khaleeq Zuberi. Earlier, Attorney General Salman Butt acting as prosecutor in the contempt case submitted the list of witnesses and other documents related to the scandalous programme. The court adjourning the case till February 12 with directives to both Mubashir Luqman and Salman Iqbal to be present in the court on the next date of hearing as the ARY CEO was not present in the court during the hearing on Thursday.