LAHORE: Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan has returned Rs10,000 to the son of Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar earlier paid by him as fine imposed on Aitzaz by the Supreme Court for not appearing in a case.

“Your father, the honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, informed me during a court hearing on Saturday that you had paid a sum of Rs10,000 on my behalf for fine imposed on me by the honourable court for not appearing in a case on March 9, 2018. That was most gracious of you,” says Mr Ahsan in a letter written to Najam Saqib, son of the chief justice.

“I had not intended to recognize the liability as I was on general adjournment allowed by your illustrious father, and the imposition being without notice,” the letter adds.

Mr Ahsan says, “I therefore, enclose herewith a cash cheque No. 64099537 in the sum of Rs10,000 as reimbursement of the amount paid by you on my behalf.”

Hearing a case against formula milk manufacturing companies at the Lahore registry, a three-judge bench headed by CJP Nisar had imposed the fine on Mr Ahsan after his associate irked the bench with his conduct by repeatedly asking for an adjournment citing engagement of Mr Ahsan in a farewell ceremony for outgoing senators in Islamabad. Mr Ahsan was the counsel for the association of infant formula milk manufacturers.

On next hearing, Barrister Ahsan appeared before the court and lodged his protest on the imposition of the fine saying he was on general adjournment.

However, CJP Nisar refused to withdraw the fine and said, in a lighter vein, that the fine would be paid in any case either by Mr Ahsan or him (CJP).

On a subsequent hearing, the chief justice had told Mr Ahsan: “My son Najam paid the fine on behalf of his uncle (Ahsan).” The CJP also showed Ahsan the receipt of the amount paid to Fatimid Foundation.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2018