65
The government has denounced a Supreme Court judge's statement likening the attorney general to a representative of the 'Sicilian mafia', saying that the comments were "against the code of conduct" of the apex court.
"The comments made by the judge damaged Pakistan's reputation and integrity on an international forum," read a statement attributed to a government spokesperson, issued Thursday evening.
During the opening of a case against PML-N Senator Nehal Hashmi regarding his outburst against the judiciary, the Supreme Court bench hearing the case had a particularly fiery exchange with Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf.
"Congratulations Mr Attorney General: it seems that your government has joined the Sicilian Mafia," Justice Sheikh Azmat quipped as he addressed the AG on Thursday.
"We have faced military dictatorships, but even they did not dare threaten our children," Justice Afzal said to the AG. "Our children are being threatened under your government," he observed.
Expressing "deep regret" over the remarks, the government spokesperson said the SC judges levelled "unfounded allegations" against the government.
Curiously, the handout issued by the government bore no letterhead or signature, while the government spokesperson in mention was not identified with a name.
"The prime minister's actions against a PML-N member were neglected during the hearing," the spokesperson's statement said.
The spokesperson added that records available in print and social media 'proved' that the government swiftly expressed its anger when Hashmi's inflammatory speech came to light, which showed that the government's policies were not in line with Hashmi's remarks.
The spokesperson also noted that Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb had clarified that Hashmi's remarks had no link with PML-N and its policies.
It should be noted that, during the hearing of the case, Justice Ejaz Afzal, while addressing the AG, had said: "You stayed quiet for two days after Hashmi's speech and then sprung into action [once it made headlines] fearing the Supreme Court's retribution."
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (65) Closed
Jun 02, 2017 12:19am
Honourable Supreme Court spoke the truth. All praise for Honourable Supreme Court.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 12:33am
It really should be the Sicilian Mafia that should be complaining about being compared to our government, not the other way around.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 12:46am
Truth hurts
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 01:28am
Have they said anything wrong about the PMLN government? I do not think so. The speech of Nihal Hashmi immediately reminded me of the classic movie God Father. It is not the Supreme Court which have embarrassed Pakistan but it is Nawaz Sharif's government which is the main cause of embarrassment for the country.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 01:28am
It is very unfortunate that Supreme Court judge passed these remarks.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 02:43am
Nehal hashmi was definitely to make those remarks there is no way the party had no information about this.
Fooling Pakistani public yet again.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:05am
Now that Mr N Hashmi has resigned, PM will award him some lucrative contract/ position & he will live happily forever!
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:14am
I feel ashamed of all such remarks by various authorities in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:18am
Its okay to threaten families of government officials?
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:21am
Look who is talking about code of conduct! The despicable behavior by ruling goons is a total disgrace for the country and the nation. Having no remorse and total disregard for the judicial bench is a mind set of crimnals. It is for the first time I see some hope for the future of Pakistan from the functioning institution of judiciary supported by honorable JIT and SC bench. They are the savor and may God Grace be with them for doing what is best for Pakistan. With regards to the PML Goons they need to be behind bars and keys thrown away. PML N Goons are now the worst enemy of Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:32am
Good cop bad cop story!
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:42am
So a govt senator threatening JIT members and SC judges and their family members does not damage Pakistan's reputation in the comity of nations?
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:48am
The comment by SC is in line with reality. Our political leaders in reality do operate and behave like a mafia. Hats off to the Supreme Court Judges for pointing out the truth.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:52am
How else you will describe the statements of Nihal Hashmi
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:52am
No intelligent Pakistani buys into this. Nehal Hashmi's outburst looked quite planned. How else can a nobody senator from Sindh spew such vitriol against the country's highest judicial institution?
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:52am
NH addressed a small gathering with no media coverage for two days until PTI made it public.
Had it been a deliberate attempt to threaten any body it would have been curculated on social and mainstream media by PLMN and not by PTI
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:55am
No letterhead no spokesperson name! They not even coward they rightfully said "a mafia"
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 03:58am
Govt response to Nehal outburst came 2 days later when Govt realised press and judiciary had taken notice. Govt should have reacted immediately within hours of the Nehal outburst.
Judges all over the world are free to make remarks so that they can describe criminals and crime. When one fixes and manipulates the police, press, NAB, FIA, State Bank, and institutions leaves little doubt that this to be an organised crime; this by the way was the specialty of the Mafia. Mafia in such cases is a common form of illustration.
As always Nation stands with the brave Judiciary.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:07am
SC remarks are regretful in Govt eyes but their own act and extremely poor governance along with corruption is not regretful. Remarks of senator Nihal who is just a messenger in this case are not regretful to Govt? Having an accused and declared corrupt (by two senior most judges) prime minister is not regretful? 14 murders of model town are not regretful? Dawn leaks isn't regretful? Innocent deaths in Thar are not regretful? Having no clean water, extremely poor health and education facilities are not regretful? Govt ministers busy defending sharif family and paid through tax payer money is not regretful? Asghar Khan case is not regretful? Panama case is not regretful? SHAME ON GOVERNMENT
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:17am
Judges should avoid sweeping statements to maintain their decorum and status.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:20am
Look at the arrogance of the govt. They are worst than the Sicilian Mafia. They only want to save the corruption of Mr Nawaz Sharif at all cost. If they think that the remarks of the SC hurt the Govt at international leve,l they are sadly mistaken. This Govt had lost all credibility since the name of Mr Nawaz family apeared in the Panama Papers.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:22am
Ok then don't send out your senior party workers to openly threaten those investigating the panama leaks case. Simple. What this senator said must have gotten some approval from some higher up before he made the speech. Party workers don't make threats on their own. Their should be another investigation for this which is more serious than anything else.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:45am
So now you know how its hurts.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:51am
I am shocked that govt. is outraged with the SC remarks likening the Govt. as Sicilia Mafia rather than lashing out at the Senator. I think Nawaz Sharif do not know what is Sicilia Mafia is. So let me put an exert from the internet which explain what is Sicilia Mafia.
:"The Sicilian Mafia, also known as simply the Mafia or Cosa Nostra ("Our thing"), is a criminal syndicate in Sicily, Italy. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organisational structure and code of conduct".
Let me explain it further. It is a group of people based in Sicily. a city in Italy. Its members were not ready to share power with anyone. They would use any means to suppress their opponents, including black mailing, use of force/threats etc. This is exactly what you (Mr. Nawaz Sharif) are doing.
It looks like that you prepared the script and the senator has just read it for you. If not. then arrest the senator, locked him in jail and through the keys away..
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:55am
What PML N leaders are doing and saying outside courts every day is fully in line with code of conduct???
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 04:59am
The govt is now on head on collision with the highest court of the land. They know they have no answers to Panama issue and very soon they will be disqualified. By bringing courts in to disrepute NS is proving that he is a God father of Pakistan.Publc is with the Judiciary and expect justice with powerful mafias of this country.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 05:11am
"The comments made by the judge damaged Pakistan's reputation and integrity on an international forum"
I find it funny that the Panama scandal and all the on-going corruption never damaged the country's repute but these judicial remarks did tarnish it.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 05:15am
The handout issued by the government did not bore letterhead and signature and the government spokesperson is not identified by name....
This is exactly what Mafia bosses do. Supreme Court is facing PMNL mafia in different shapes and colours.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 05:39am
sad to see SC judge losing his cool making rash comments without fully considering the facts. Hope they will realise.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 05:43am
What's wrong with judges outburst? A people's representative can threaten the judge but the judge has to keep quite is it? There seems to be no decoram in the ruling party.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 05:49am
The damage is caused by the government by threatening the judiciary and honorable judges themselves. This Sicilian mafia and godfather family has to pay the highest price now.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 05:53am
The Sicilian Mafia, originated from Italy... from a small town in Sicilly in Italy... this unique fire brand name is yet again allocated by SC in sequel to Godfather... hence NS or his party leaders cannot call it non parliamentary word... Mafias act in unison / collectively... examples we have witnessed in recant days by n-league leaders with scathing remarks on highest / most honorable institute in Pak... all just to defend their leader's alleged corruption / money laundering issues... all papers / evidences and other credible witnesses / letters are with court ... let Court decide whether or not Sharifs are convicted or otherwise... contempt of court is of secondary importance as of now... the real mess is yet to follow when / if NS or his family members are convicted or declared guilty... heaven will break loose is what N league leadership is trying to spread around. PMLN cream is not yet whipped but they are lurking with their cronies in the corridors of SC. Mafia ends here.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 06:14am
Govt was quite for 2 days when Hashami made the threat so, but quick to criticize judges for calling spade a spade.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 06:31am
if you throw stones at others from a glass house, then be prepared for such... Nehal must be convicted. PANAMA Case is till pending in our SC / govt have shown all sorts of disrespect, hatred, despise for on going JIT and SC who formed it.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 07:08am
I agree - Supreme court judges should refrain from comments like these - the supreme court should always limit their comments to their decisions on the cases they deliberate on and their comments should come when they deliver the decisions and should always be intended on their reasons for those decisions; people place the court in the highest regard and should always stay professional!
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 07:21am
As a Pakistani I caution the government to not act silly and let the Judiciary follow a legal course. The language and actions of this government are highly deplorable and condemning.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 08:12am
Reference to Sicilian mafia brings disrepute but a tainted man, caught lying day in and day out, on corruption of billions and named in Panama, sticking to power, brings great repute, right?
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 08:51am
Bitter truth is always hard to digest. SC statement is legitimate and logical.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 09:19am
Even Sicillian mafia have some principles.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 09:22am
Its time for action. How long will such words will be thrown on our courts and other sensitive institutions. Punish those involved once to settle this once and for all.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 09:26am
What is wrong in saying truth
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 09:31am
If the shoe fits!!!
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 09:43am
Yes, this present government is the Sicilian mafia. Agree 100% with the Judge.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:06am
its unprofessional language these judges are using. I hope they keep it professional and avoid such remarks in comparing to some movies. This is real life. Judges have the power, and they can kick out the prime minister also. But such comparisons are just,,, useless
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:11am
The unsigned and unarmed response shows the working system of this Government. It says Pakistan's reputation has been "damaged"! Pakistan's reputation irreparably has been damaged by Sharifs and NOT by the Hon'ble Judge.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:17am
This has been an established practice, first was Mushahid ullah's revelations about a coup plan during Dharna days,then pervez Rasheed and Khawajas lambasting.Afterwards when the message is conveyed to target audience it is wrapped up saying 'a personal opinion'.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:21am
Get rid of mafia like thugs instead of lecturing on code of ethics to supreme court judges.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:27am
"You stayed quiet for two days after Hashmi's speech and then sprung into action (once it made headlines) fearing the Supreme Court's retribution." That's why "the prime minister's actions against a PML-N member were neglected during the hearing". The delayed actions taken by the PM are an attempt to eye wash the impression and its reaction once the Hashmi's inflammatory and threatening speech made headlines.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:42am
Does anybody know who is this government spokesperson? This one smells like its predecessor, the Dawn leak.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:44am
No one above the law, threatening highest institution of pakistan is derogatory and unacceptable. Justices have to prevail before anyone else take intitative to bully supreme court
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:48am
Three things cannot be long hidden: The Sun, The Moon and The Truth. And the honourable supreme court spoke the truth.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 10:52am
The Mafia never threatened wives and children of their protagonists. And besides the judge was correct in his reference to the mobsters. The ruling party does behave more or less in the same way.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 12:44pm
Excellent comment by the Supreme Court. Precisely fits the scums in the government.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 07:03pm
@Ali
No matter what people think of the present government it should be allowed to complete its tenure....if only to see whether the planned projects have been taken to completion. Otherwise government dismissed ahead of time could always claim political martydom and say they were never allowed to complete their developmental work.
My verdict: NS family should continue to be interrogated and the time taken to complete such ptocess should coincide with the next elections...may be a couple of month early.
Recommend
0
Jun 02, 2017 07:38pm
@younis pathan
Thanks for you helpful tutorial on ' Mafia ', much appreciated because despite the NET facility many of us do not look up to know details.
I think we should also realise that we are a society of extremists wanting to lock up anyone for any crime regardless of the severity including that of the disgraced senator. Is it not enough that he has been dismissed from his position and probably will not be allowed to speak in any forum ever. I also feel that in a sensitive environment that we are going through which have all the signs of leading to anarchy the honourable judges should refrain from making sensitive remarks which can be seen as biased. Army and justice system are vital to keep the country from falling apart so these two institutions have even greater responsibility to prevent chaos and make sure their acts are not seen favouring any one political party.
Recommend
0
Jun 03, 2017 03:32pm
@younis pathan .Your unsubstantiated remarks about the govt are totally false. You have no evidence to support your claims that govt officials wrote the script and Hashmi delivered it.
Recommend
0
Jun 03, 2017 04:51pm
JUSTICE GOD BLESS this JUDGE
Recommend
0
Jun 03, 2017 06:05pm
The worst name some one can ever suggest for a bad guy.
Recommend
0
Jun 03, 2017 07:43pm
Wow! "The comments made by the judge damaged Pakistan's reputation and integrity on an international forum." The Panama leaks and money laundering should have brought a good name for Pakistan???
Recommend
0
Jun 03, 2017 07:50pm
This is all a big game. In the end JIT will clear the Shareefs of any wrongdoing.
Recommend
0
Jun 04, 2017 12:43am
True remarks by court
Recommend
0
Jun 04, 2017 02:53am
"REGRETTABLE" --Thank you.
Recommend
0
Jun 04, 2017 02:54am
@SYED H : Tha's funny!
Recommend
0
Jun 04, 2017 04:59am
There is no doubt that PML-N is acting like a Mafia by all definitions of the word. Action should be taken against PML-N men to abort birth of Mafias in other political parties.
Recommend
0
Jun 04, 2017 08:56am
every one knows this is the truth nothing but Truth, these Judges are really very brave and honest.
God bless them Aameen
Recommend
0
