ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday witnessed untoward scenes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf counsel and honourable judges entered into a verbal clash.
The three-member court headed by Justice Yahya Afridi heard the appeal of PTI chairman in the case of the murder of lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar in Quetta.
During the hearing things got heated up and the two sides ended up in exchanging harsh words with defendant’s counsel Amanullah Kunrai later apologizing to the bench.
PTI chairman’s counsel asked the bench to hear the case on merit. The remarks by the counsel on the merits of the case resulted in honourable judges getting upset and warned Amanullah Kunrani not to cross the limits and asked for evidence for his remarks.
Amanullah Kunrai retorted with a reply that he is a not a slave and he is using his freedom of expression, however, he offered an apology for passing indecent remarks about the judges.
The bench said if ha had reservations about the judges, he should have given it in writing. Justice Afridi called PTI’s counsel Amanullah back at the rostrum and asked him prove allegations otherwise he will be served with contempt of court notice.
The discussion turned sour when Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi asked Amanullah to prove his allegation to which Amanullah replied to the judge that, “I am not slave. I am an ordinary citizen and expressed my opinion”.
Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi replied in the same tone by saying, “Are we slaves?” Justice Afridi asked Amanullah to apologize immediately and unconditionally. Amaullah after a while did bind both hands together, depicting a mercy gesture.
The Supreme Court in its remark however stated PTI’s counsel behaviour was unacceptable and judicial dignity was undermined.
Justice Yayha Afridi asked Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi if he is satisfied with the apology, the honourable judge replied ‘absolutely not’ unless the counsel takes back all the allegations.
The court adjourned the hearing until August 24.
