SC issues show-cause notice to PML-N leader over ‘threatening’ speech

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a show-cause notice to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nehal Hashmi over his ‘threatening’ remarks against apex court judges and members of the JIT who are probing the Sharif family’s offshore wealth.

“Listen! You ask the son of Nawaz Sharif to submit his account detail. Who are you to ask him his account details? We are the workers of Nawaz Sharif. We will make an example of those who hold us accountable…” Hashmi was seen telling an audience invisible in the short video clip.

During the hearing of a suo motu notice taken by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, a three-judge bench of the top court, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, directed the ruling party’s lawmaker to submit his response by June 5.

The bench directed Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali, who has been appointed as prosecutor, to collect material related to the case.

The court observed that a systematic campaign was being run by the government against judges of the apex court and the JIT. “The Cabinet members and some individuals have launched a campaign against judiciary,” remarked Justice Ijazul Ahsen.

Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh said “terrorist mafias give threat to judges and the incumbent government is acting like it”.

Directing the AGP to clarify the government’s stance, Justice Ejaz said: “We have appointed the JIT members and will not be subdued by anyone.”

Source: The Express Tribune