ISLAMABAD; While hearing a suo-moto case against Nehal Hashmi in relation to his threatening speech against the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) today, the Supreme Court of Pakistan observed that Hashmi had apparently committed contempt of court.
However, Senator Nehal Hashmi’s legal counsel Hashmat Habib blamed his client’s threatening speech against the judiciary on Tehreek-i-Insaaf chief Imran Khan. The lawyer argued that the entire incident happened because of Imran Khan.
Responding to the claim, the judge asked what Imran Khan has to do with the case?
Nehal Hashmi’s lawyer Hashmat Habib requested the court for additional time to submit the reply to the charge sheet and to find relevant witness in the case. He requested the court adjourn the hearing of the case until the fourth week of August.
“Shouldn’t we postpone the case until 2019?” Justice Ijazul Ahsan inquired in a criticising tone.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked nothing more would be present in the CDs than the material that has already been submitted in court by Hashmi. “Nehal Hashmi committed contempt of court prima facie,” pronounced Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
Hashmat Habib also informed the court that a plea against TV channel had also been filed. Responding to this, the judge remarked, “you did nothing and the footage was made by the channels itself.”
Director General Pemra presented before the court the list of channels that had broadcasted Hashmi’s speech. “The broadcast of various channels was checked for around one hour. We always take notice ourselves if the speech is against the code of conduct,” he explained to the court.
Attorney General told the court that no channel aired the complete speech but rather in different segments.
“If the TV channels have aired the speech more than the material submitted in court, then DG Pemra will be going to jail instead of home,” observed the judge.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case until August 21, while also summoning Hreplyi’s repy within two weeks.