(Karachi) Issuing verdict on a petition seeking to cut ties with France over French President Emmanuel Macron’s Islamophobic remarks and publication of blasphemous caricatures, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has referred the matter to IHC chief justice to constitute another bench to hear and decide the case, local media reported on Friday.

The petition sought contempt of court proceedings against the federal government over allegedly failing to implement the court’s order.

A single bench, comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, was hearing the case. Justice Kayani observed that since the matter involves the federal government, the court can’t initiate proceedings against it.

The petitioner stated that the French president's remarks and publication of blasphemous caricatures have hurt the sentiments of the Muslim world. He called the government to end ties with France and take appropriate action. He said the federal government has failed to implement the order.

Earlier, a single bench comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani had called for the case to be sent to Prime Minister Imran Khan for placing it before his cabinet for necessary action. It ruled that the cabinet should take steps in light of Parliament’s instructions.

The court ruled that severing ties with France and banning French products is a policy matter and therefore, suggested that the premier and Parliament should play their role in this regard.