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The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its judgement in a contempt case against Senator Nehal Hashmi after the former PML-N stalwart submitted an unconditional apology for his threatening video message against "those investigating" former premier Nawaz Sharif and his family.
Hashmi's remarks, were, prima facie, directed at the Supreme Court-appointed joint investigation team (JIT) probing the Sharif family's business dealings abroad. In the video, he apparently warned individuals involved in the investigation that they would be "taken to task" for grilling the then premier's family.
Following the release of the video, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of his remarks, and the PML-N ousted Hashmi.
A three-judge bench hearing the contempt case against Hashmi today criticised the wording of his apology to the court.
Hashmi, in his reply submitted to the court, had stated: "If the court feels that I have committed contempt, I apologise."
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa asked, "What does he [Hashmi] mean by 'if'?"
At this, Hashmi's counsel said he apologised unconditionally on his client's behalf.
Justice Dost Mohammad asserted that institutions should not be ridiculed, and "if the institutions are working according to the Constitution, they should be respected."
Justice Khosa admonished the former PML-N leader's conduct, saying: "Nehal Hashmi is a lawyer. He should act with restraint."
The court then directed Hashmi to submit a written reply apologising for his remarks.
Hashmi, following orders, offered the court an unconditional apology in writing and left it to the institution to decide his fate.
The court then reserved its judgement on the case.
Comments (14) Closed
An apology after the event must not be accepted, and Nehal Hashmi should be punished to set an example. Otherwise, insulting and abusive comments relating to our honorable judges, courts, investigation teams and our institutions will become part of every day event.
Mr Hashmi no if and but, say my apology 100 times now and in future also, respect court and law.
Give him life time jail.
There must a punishment under the law which he should serve in jail.
He should be given some punishment
His apology must be accepted. similarly as they have accepted of Imran Khan.
There should be no leniency. When it comes to contempt of court, it can't get any worse what he said!
He should be punished for at least 10 years. Please set an example otherwise every body will insult and abuse and then ask for apology. Saad Rafique, Daanial, and the gaalam galoch brigade also deserve severe punishment. I ask and request the Chief Justice of Pakistan to show no mercy and put these incompetent and ignorant people to Adiala for life or at least 10 years.
what moderation are you waiting for?
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani
Isn't it already?
A thorough investigation is required; no prejudice.
His words and explanation can be taken for their face value but if the video is watched it sends a different message.
To be fair is extremely difficult. This will be a tricky verdict no matter how simple it appears to common folk.
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani exactly!
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani - yes, you are absolutely right, we have to set an example.
Do not accept his apology.. This is a currupt man who thought he was so powerful that he would threaten all the institutions.. I urge the courts to teach this currupt crook Nehal Hasmi a lesson he will never forget.. This is the only time so please do not waste valuable time and put this man behind bars.
What is an unconditional apology? He cannot dictate any conditions as he is the person who slammed the courts.