The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its decision on the admissibility of a contempt of court petition filed against lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari.
The petition was based on Mazari’s remarks regarding subordinate court judges. However, during the hearing, Justice Kayani raised doubts over the legal grounds of the case.
Petitioner Hafiz Ehtesham argued that Mazari had given the impression that lower court judges were divided and under pressure. He claimed her speech outside the press club amounted to contempt of court.
When the petitioner suggested that Mazari’s comments even included Justice Kayani himself, the judge reacted sharply. He warned the petitioner not to go beyond the scope of the case. “There is no division in this court and we will not even allow it,” he stated.
The judge further observed that pointing out weak judges does not automatically amount to contempt. “There are good judges and there are incompetent judges. What is wrong with saying that?” Justice Kayani remarked.
He stressed that freedom of expression applies to all, including journalists and vloggers. He added that no subordinate judge had personally complained about Mazari’s comments. “The judges themselves should tell us if their dignity was hurt. If someone else does, the impression will be different,” he noted.
Justice Kayani also pointed out that judges often deliver speeches at bar councils that include criticism and opinions. He questioned how Mazari’s statement could be treated differently.
At the end of the hearing, the court decided to first determine whether the petition qualifies as contempt before proceeding further. “We will see if the petition qualifies before moving ahead,” Justice Kayani concluded, reserving the decision.
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