IHC issues show-cause notice to Imran Khan in contempt case

Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday issued show cause notice to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in contempt case. The court directed former prime minister to personally appear before the bench on August 31. 

As per details, a larger bench of IHC has taken up ‘contempt of court’ proceedings against Pakistan’s former Prime Minister for threatening Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry during a public rally. 

The bench comprises Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

The larger bench has referred this case to the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, requesting him to constitute a full-bench to hear this case.

Khan was booked on Sunday under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The bench reviewed whether remarks made by ex-PM Imran Khan about the judiciary justify undertaking a contempt of court case or not.  

The court also issued a notice to the attorney general of Pakistan.

While addressing a rally at Islamabad's F-9 park, Imran Khan alleged that Judge Zeba Chaudhry knew that incarcerated party leader Shahbaz Gill was tortured, but she did not release him on bail.

Khan had then said she [the judge] should brace herself for 'consequences'. 

The PTI leader also threatened to take action against the Islamabad IG and DIG police.

Following this Pakistan's federal minister for information and broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the coalition government is least interested in "wasting time" by putting cricketer-turned politician behind the bars, for threatening the judiciary and a top cop as authorities step up probe after the Imran Khan's remarks on judiciary, Election Commission and the government - during a speech last week.