IHC defers indictment of Rana Shamim till Dec. 20

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday has deferred the indictment of former Chief Judge of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Rana Shamim in contempt of court case.  

During the hearing, headed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, Shamim filed an application, saying that the affidavit will take at least 3 days to arrive. 

The attorney general said the ex-CJ had deliberately leaked his affidavit, adding that the proceedings regarding indicting him can be resumed after submission of original affidavit.

The court, however, again sought original affidavit of the chief judge.  

The IHC remarked that the parties are free to record their response on Rana Shamim’s statement. Consequently, the hearing has been adjourned till December 20, Monday.  

Earlier on December 7, the IHC directed former Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Chief Judge Rana Shamim to submit his original affidavit till December 13 (today).  

During the proceeding, the IHC Chief Justice remarked that if Rana Shamim fails to present the original affidavit, the court will initiate the indicting process against him. The court has also barred him from traveling abroad.

During previous hearing, Justice Athar Minallah remarked that Rana Shamim had tried to convince the people to lose confidence in court.

He remarked that if the original affidavit was found different from the affidavit being reported. Then the responsibility will be on the newspaper. 

Rana Shamim told court that his affidavit was sealed one, but he did not know which affidavit was reported.

IHC CJ Athar Minallah directed the former GB chief judge to submit his original affidavit in the court along with his written response in the case within five days and adjourned the hearing of the case for seven days.