SC reserves verdict in blasphemy case
islamabad — Supreme Court disposed of a case pertaining to the transfer of former Pakpattan District Police Officer (DPO) Rizwan Gondal after accepting written apology of respondents.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar heard the suo motu notice of the former DPO’s transfer following an alleged altercation with Khawar Maneka, former husband of the first lady of pakistan.
Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar, former inspector general of police, Punjab, Kaleem Imam and Ahsan Iqbal Jamil Gujjar, submitted written apologies before the bench. The bench accepted the apologies and warned the respondents that if such an incident is be repeated then this case could be re-opened.
During course of proceedings, the Punjab advocate general (AG) pleaded with the bench to look at the matter from a different perspective.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that the facts will remain same regardless of the perspective.
“Instead of being ashamed [at his involvement in the DPO’s transfer], he showed his arrogance,” remarked the CJ.
The top judge expressed his displeasure at the respondents in the case not expressing regret on their actions.
In response, former inspector general of police, Punjab, Kaleem Imam expressed regret and sought the court’s forgiveness.
“I am sorry for my mistake and I leave myself at the mercy of the court,” Imam added.
Responding to Imam’s apology, Justice Nisar directed all respondents, (him, the Punjab CM and Jamil) to submit a written apology in the court.
Subsequently, the respondents submitted written apology which was accepted by the court. —