Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday sought unconditional apology in contempt of court case regarding the hearing of the Pakistan Steel Mills case.
Talking to reporters outside the Supreme Court building, he said he had always been respecting the courts and would continue to do so in the future.
“I was trying to enhance the scope of investigations by taking this step,” said Malik.
He said further, “I initiated the investigation because National Assembly told me to give details. I presented myself to the Supreme Court because I want to gain respect and not embarrassment.”
“The court has said that they will hear me out later which suits me perfectly as government is set to end in few weeks and I will be free of all duties and present my case properly.”
He said he had submitted his reply in connection with a contempt of court in the PSM case and said that he had always respected the courts. He said he was proud to expose the names of criminals.
The minister urged the Punjab government to take action against Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and said, “If we want peace to prevail in the country then the Punjab government should take action against LJ.”
The federal minister said that he should not be compared to Dr Tahirul Qadri and that there was no shame in admitting ones mistake after it was proven in the court.
Earlier, Malik submitted his unconditional apology before the court.
In his reply‚ the minister said he had never interfered in the judicial matters. He said he would be free to appear in the court as the government would be wrapped up by March 16.
Later, the court adjourned the hearing for 10 days.
The court had taken suo motu action in the PSM corruption.
Malik’s involvement in the case began when he formulated a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) joint investigation team to investigate the corruption case. This step, however, did not impress the court.
The SC issued a contempt of court notice to the interior minister for “unnecessary transfer” of officials conducting the probe on December 17, 2009.
