The Supreme Court on Monday ordered PML-N leader Nehal Hashmi to submit his reply by June 16 in connection with the outburst against “those investigating” the family of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over the Panama Papers.
A recently surfaced video showed Hashmi warning those conducting the investigation of being “taken to task” for grilling the premier’s family. His remarks were apparently made in reference to the Supreme Court-appointed JIT which is investigating the Sharif family’s business dealings abroad.
Hours after the senator made incendiary remarks, media reported that Hashmi’s membership of the PML-N had been suspended and a show-cause notice have been issued to him. Subsequently, he also resigned from his seat in the Senate.
During Monday’s hearing, Hashmi said that he has been struggling for supremacy of law for the last three decades. “I have also participated in the Lawyers’ Movement,” he added.
“We know that you have worked for supremacy of law. You will be provided enough time to submit your reply,” Justice Ijazul Ahsan responded to Hashmi.
In his remarks, Justice Ahsan also advised Hashmi to take the matter seriously, stating that Hashmi was taking it lightly.
Earlier, Hashmi had sought time for submission of his reply till Eidul Fitr. He had also stated that he does not have a copy of his speech. He also appealed to the court to show the video in the courtroom.