The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved verdict on contempt cases against Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan after both of them tendered unconditional apologies for their remarks.

A single bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case. Both Sarwar and Firdous were present in the court. After hearing their counsels, the IHC bench reserved verdict, which would be announced on November 25.

During the hearing, Justice Athar remarked that Sarwar is a representative of the federal cabinet and he raised questions on the medical board constituted by the government for Nawaz Sharif. The federal minister stated that he had only expressed doubts about the medical board.

The bench observed that by his statement, Sarwar tried to make people lose confidence in institutions and the government. At this, Sarwar tendered an unconditional apology. However, the IHC directed him to submit his statement in written. Then, the minister said that he does not want to contest this case and that is why he is tendering an unconditional apology.

Dr Firdous also appeared before the court for a hearing of a similar case and the court also reserved its verdict in her case.

Previously, the court had issued separate notices to Sarwar and Awan for their remarks over an IHC verdict that granted bail to former premier Nawaz in the Al Azizia case on medical grounds.

The IHC bench noted in its order, "Keeping in view the nature of allegations made in this petition, it is treated as having been filed under the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003. The office is directed to issue notices to respondents No. 1 to 3. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and the TV channel "Hum" are directed to submit recording of the program referred to in the petition along with its transcripts before next date fixed."

It added, "Respondent No. 1 (Ghulam Sarwar) is directed to appear in person and explain why show cause notice may not be issued for criminal contempt under the Contempt of Court Ordnance, 2003."

The court order stated that it is alleged that respondent No. 1 namely Ghulam Sarwar Khan has made public statements whereby impression was given that the medical reports submitted by the Medical Board constituted by the government of Punjab which also included medical specialists from institutions controlled by the Federal Government, were manipulated.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019