Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar appeared before the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, as it heard a notice issued to Advocate General of Punjab Ahmad Awais for contempt of court over his conduct during the announcement of an interim order on the joint investigation team formed to hold a fresh probe into the 2014 Model Town incident, a private TV channel reported.
A full bench of the LHC had summoned CM Buzdar, provincial law minister, chief secretary and the law secretary in relation to the case earlier in the day.
During the hearing, Justice Qasim Khan remarked that the post of advocate general of Punjab is highly respectable but an unfortunate incident had taken place. CM Buzdar told the bench that Ahmad Awais has resigned as advocate general of Punjab. “We committed many mistakes,” the chief minister acknowledged, adding, “We respect the court. I was busy due to the demise of my father.” The hearing was adjourned till April 19.
Earlier in the day while hearing the case, Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmed Khan had remarked, “One of the biggest law officers in the province is standing like a suspect. He should be speaking about the supremacy of law.” “The court has only issued a notice and not a show-cause notice,” the bench had clarified, at which Advocate Hamid Khan had said, “There is no contempt of court law today.” Justice Aalia Neelum had pointed out, “There is a difference between freedom of expression and speaking loudly.” Advocate Hamid Khan had then urged that “contempt of court should hardly be used in today’s day and age”. Justice Qasim Khan had questioned, “What should happen if someone starts cursing?” In response, Advocate Hamid Khan had said, “I will be grateful if you ignore it. Kindness does not mean weakness.”
