Accepting an unconditional apology submitted by Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Altaf Hussain for his remarks against the superior judiciary, the Supreme Court on Monday discarded its contempt of court notice against the self-exiled leader for putting himself at the mercy of the court.
Altaf had passed objectionable remarks against the apex court while addressing his party workers in a telephonic address following an SC verdict on the Karachi law and order.
Following his remarks, the Supreme Court on December 14 issued contempt of court notice to the MQM chief for his address and threatening and ridiculing the judges of the Supreme Court. The bench of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed accepted the written apology submitted by Dr Farogh Naseem, counsel for Altaf Hussain.
Through his lawyer, Altaf pleaded that he believed in the dignity and respect of the superior judiciary. During the hearing, MQM Senator Dr Farogh Naseem told the court that Altaf withdrew all the adverse remarks he had passed against the judiciary. The MQM chief requested the court to accept his unconditional apology from the core of his heart, requesting it to discharge the contempt of court notice as well. He said he would be careful about the dignity of the superior judiciary in the future as well. After hearing Naseem and reading Altaf’s apology, the court accepted the unconditional apology and discharged the contempt of court notice. “Since Altaf Hussain has not contested the contempt notice and thrown himself at the mercy of the court by seeking an unconditional apology, we accept his apology and discharge the contempt notice,” the court said in its order.
The chief justice said the MQM chief exhibited honour and respect for the court and its judges while making commitment that he would uphold the dignity of the judges of the superior judiciary in the future. The CJ said it was a good gesture that the MQM chief showed respect for the judiciary. “We appreciate Altaf Hussain and we respect him and all other politicians as well,” the chief justice said. During the hearing, the CJ also took notice of remarks passed by MQM lawmaker Rauf Siddiqi against the judiciary, besides taking notice of the press conference of MQM leader Farooq Sattar.
Sattar, who was present in the court, submitted that he had not referred to the judiciary in his press conference, however, even then he was ready to tender an apology.
Altaf’s counsel, however, stated that he apologised on behalf of Rauf Siddiqui and Farooq Sattar as well.
EGO: Meanwhile, MQM chief Altaf said no harm had been done by bowing before the court, rather the move would enhance his respect.
Talking to members of the Rabita Committee, MNAs and MPAs of the party, he said Almighty Allah had also ordered to bow down, as rigid viewpoints created chaos and confrontation.
“We respect the courts from the core of the heart but a misperception is being painted about the MQM. We firmly believe in resolving the matter amicably and bowing down to pay homage to the institutions would not only avoid conflicts, but also benefit the country,” he added.
Drone attack: Commenting on his plans of launching a political drone attack, Altaf said his “drone attack” might be delayed by a day or two.
In a statement from London, he said preparations had been made for the political drone attack and he was looking for a few missing parts.
Earlier before the SC hearing, MQM’s Farooq Sattar had said that there was no possibility for the party chief to come to Pakistan due to certain unavoidable conditions.
