'Threats' to JIT members, judges: SC finds PML-N rule even worse than dictatorship

The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to initiate contempt proceedings against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Nehal Hashmi for purportedly threatening the apex court judges and joint investigation team (JIT) members. A three-member special bench led by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan constituted for implementation of JIT findings in the matter termed Nehal Hashmi's threatening speech a 'systematic campaign' against the judges of the bench and members of the JIT.
Nehal Hashmi while addressing a public workers gathering on May 28 last openly threatened the JIT members and Supreme Court judges, saying those who are scrutinising the Sharif family would not be spared, adding that there would be dire consequences for those and their children as they have to retire at the end of the day.
Taking notice of the speech, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar fixed the matter before a three-member special bench after issuing notices to Hashmi and attorney general for Pakistan for June 01. Resuming the hearing of the matter, the three-member bench while addressing Attorney General for Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf said, "Are you aware of what is going on around you?"
At the onset of the hearing, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan made it clear that the bench profoundly selected six members of the JIT to collect evidence in the Panama Papers case for which the Registrar of the apex court has acted upon their directions as the bench is well aware that who is trustworthy to become member of the JIT in accordance with law.
During the course of proceedings, a member of the bench, Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, asked from Ashtar Ausaf, "Do you know what kind of people hurl threats at children in their fights?
"The coward," Ashtar Ausaf submitted. "No, not cowards - those who threaten the judges' families are terrorists and Sicilians mafia, congratulations Mr. Attorney General your government has joined the ranks." Responding to Attorney General for Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf's request in the matter, Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh said, "We have also seen November 3, 2007 emergency in the country where our children were not threatened. It is not our custom to bring our children into our fights."
Another member of the bench Justice Ijazul Ahsan asked Aushter Ausaf, "Now you want us to leave the matter?" Head of the bench Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan said, "Let the sternest action be taken against the element of ridicule". Nehal Hashmi said in his defence that he was fasting and that he cannot even think of treating judges in any disrespectful manner. At this point, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan asked him to submit a statement in writing on the next date of hearing.
Later, issuing a show cause notice to Nehal Hashmi, the bench appointed Ashtar Ausaf as prosecutor in the contempt case against him with directives to see if any criminal proceedings could be taken against Hashmi. The bench also issued directives to prosecutor to collect contemptuous material in the matter. Ashtar Ausaf requested more time in the matter as he is scheduled to proceed abroad to which the bench loudly expressed that in his absence the court will appoint someone else, however, upon assurance of the AGP for presence, the bench adjourned the haring of the matter till June 05.
NNI adds: Supreme Court judge Justice Azmat Saeed said not even dictators did never threatened judges' families and kids as a government lawmaker did. The apex court had taken notice on Wednesday of Nehal Hashmi's threatening speech to judiciary and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and served him a contempt of court notice.
Nehal Hashmi and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali were called to the rostrum. "Are you aware of what is happening?" Justice Ejaz Afzal asked Ashtar Ausaf Ali. The SC judge went on to say that they will not be afraid of any harsh consequences, adding that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for the Panama case was formed by the apex court as directions were given to the SC Registrar in a legal way with transparency. Justice Ijaz ul Hassan complained how the government remained silent on then Senator Nehal Hashmi's statements for two days. On the other hand, Nehal Hashmi told the court that his statements were not aimed at judiciary. "I am on fast, my statements weren't against anyone," he maintained.