ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday granted more time to anchorperson Matti Ullah Jan to consult his lawyer whether he intended to contest the contempt of court proceedings or to tender an unconditional apology.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui heard the contempt of court proceedings against anchorperson Matti Ullah Jan, Rameeza Majeed Nizami, owner of Waqt TV channel, its bureau chief and producers of the programme “Apna Apna Gareban”.
During the course of proceedings, CD of the programme “Apna Apna Gareban”, hosted by Matti Ullah Jan on February 5, 2018, was played in the presence of all respondents.
Justice Siddiqui observed that the programme was not only a motivated but an intentional effort to malign the institution of the judiciary and to disgrace the office of Chief Justice.
When the bench asked the respondents regarding their point of view on the programme, the counsel for Rameeza Majid Nizami, who had appeared in person before the court in compliance with earlier court orders, submitted that his client intends to tender an unconditional apology in writing.
However, Matti Ullah Jan sought few days to consult his lawyer to make a statement as to whether he intended to contest the proceedings or to tender an unconditional apology as other respondents intended to.
The court observed that an opportunity should be given to the respondents and adjourned the hearing till February 19.
The bench also exempted Rameeza Majeed Nizami from an appearance on the next hearing.
