PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel on Monday convicted a police officer for committing contempt of court by aiming a gun at a judge in Charsadda, and sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment with fine of Rs20,000.

The former station house officer of Shabqadar police station, Murtaza Khan, was taken into custody from the courtroom and shifted to Peshawar Central Prison.

Few days ago, the bench had reserved its order after the official had tendered an unconditional apology.

The incident had taken place on April 26 in the court of Charsadda district and sessions judge. Following the incident, the official was suspended and an inquiry was ordered by the police department. After the inquiry, the officer was demoted by the department.

The chief justice had taken notice of the issue and had started contempt of court proceedings against Murtaza Khan.

On the day of occurrence, the officer had reportedly brought his armed gunman to the court and also exchanged hot words with the judge.

It was reported that the then SHO was summoned by the district judge Jamal Khan in connection with a complaint lodged by a woman alleging sexual abuse at the hands of an inhabitant of Shabqadar.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2016