Senator Faisal Vawda and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Mustafa Kamal have approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking the withdrawal of contempt charges. The charges were initiated following their critical remarks against the judiciary during separate press conferences at the National Press Club in Islamabad. The lawmakers presented their cases before the court, with Mr. Vawda explaining his position and Mr. Kamal offering an unconditional apology.
On May 17, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, issued contempt charges against Senator Vawda and MNA Kamal. The court’s action was a response to their alleged defamatory remarks about the judiciary and individual judges. These remarks were perceived as malicious and damaging to the integrity and reputation of the judicial system.
Senator Faisal Vawda, in his reply to the court, emphasized that his intentions were misinterpreted. He asserted that his remarks were not intended to malign the judiciary but were aimed at addressing broader issues concerning the country’s welfare. He highlighted his reputation as a public figure known for his passionate speeches, insisting that his words “pagri uchaalna” (a phrase implying the loss of honor) were not aimed at any specific individual.
Mr. Vawda clarified that his remarks were intended to discourage baseless allegations against any organization or individual, which could harm public confidence and hinder Pakistan’s progress. He stressed that his comments during the press conference’s question-and-answer session were meant for those working against Pakistan’s interests.
Moreover, Mr. Vawda pointed out instances where the judiciary had shown restraint despite receiving direct threats and derogatory remarks. He cited examples such as Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s threats outside the Supreme Court and PTI’s information secretary Raoof Hasan calling a judge complicit. Additionally, he mentioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks on May 28, where the PM referred to some judges as “black sheep” and accused them of colluding to grant bail to former premier Imran Khan.
Senator Vawda expressed his disappointment that, despite his genuine intentions, he was served a show-cause notice. He emphasized that his words were a desperate plea for unity among the public, judiciary, and other organizations for Pakistan’s betterment, ensuring that everyone’s reputation remained untarnished by unfounded allegations.
On the other hand, MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal took a different approach by offering an unconditional and unqualified apology for his statements. Mr. Kamal threw himself at the mercy of the Supreme Court, seeking clemency and forgiveness for his actions. He acknowledged the importance of protecting the sanctity of the courts and the reputation of judges to ensure justice is fairly and equitably dispensed to the public.
Mr. Kamal’s apology was a clear attempt to resolve the matter amicably, highlighting his respect for the judiciary and its crucial role in upholding justice in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has provided the Supreme Court with the transcripts of the press conferences held by the two lawmakers. These transcripts are likely to play a crucial role in the court’s deliberations on whether to withdraw the contempt charges.
The actions of Senator Vawda and MNA Kamal have sparked a debate about the boundaries of free speech and the respect due to the judiciary. Their cases underscore the tension between political expression and judicial dignity, a delicate balance that the Supreme Court must navigate.
