M inistry seeks contem pt proceedings against ex-pm

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has pleaded with the Supreme Court to initiate contempt proceedings against Pakistan Tehrik-e-insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for wilfully disregarding and contemptuously disobeying its order of May 25, 2022.

Salman Aslam But, counsel for the Ministry of Interior, in pursuance of the court’s order, submited a reply to the Supreme Court, providing details of tweets, video messages and call records of PTI leaders.

On Nov.18, a five-member larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, while hearing the contempt case against the former prime minister, asked the Ministry of Interior that, if it deemed necessary, a response be provided to the concise statement for submissions filed on behalf of Imran.

The Ministry of Interior provided the court with evidence, including a USB, on the rally on May 25, 2022. PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja had sought time to submit his reply to the Interior Ministry’s evidence, which the court had granted.

The court had directed the Interior Ministry’s counsel to provide a copy of the USB to the PTI chairman’s counsel and further asked that the ministry counsel could also submit his rebutal.

In its response submited, the Ministry of Interior prayed the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the respondent for wilfully disregarding and contemptuously disobeying the order passed by the apex court.

The Interior Ministry submited that Imran made false and incorrect statements before this court in his reply and that, despite the order passed by the apex court being in the field and knowledge, Imran along with the leadership of his political party engaged in urging and leading the supporters and workers of his party to reach the D-chowk, inter alia.

It submited that in his reply, Imran assured the apex court of his absolute commitment to the rule of law and respect for the orders of this court; however, the acts of the respondent indicate otherwise.