LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar on Monday successfully mediated differences between Hamza Shahbaz and Ayesha Ahad Malik during a reconciliation process in his chamber.

“The issue has been amicably settled between both sides,” announced the CJP in the court after one-hour long meeting he had with Hamza and Ayesha in his chamber.

He said the cases lodged by both the parties against each other stood withdrawn and they had committed not to comment on or disclose conditions of their settlement publicly.

Earlier, Hamza appeared before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court following a previous order issued by the chief justice. He was accompanied by his counsel Zahid Bokhari.

Both parties withdraw cases against each other

Ayesha also appeared before the court along with her daughter and maintained that her marriage with Hamza was held during 2010 in a DHA house. She said two of the witnesses of their nikah were still alive.

Being given a chance to explain his position by the court, Hamza categorically denied Ayesha’s claim, saying he never married her.

Chief Justice Nisar observed that the matter pertained to private life of both the individuals and offered them an in-chamber hearing.

“I am just like a father to both of you and can help you reach a settlement,” the chief justice told them.

Ayesha immediately accepted his offer; however, Hamza stuck to his stance and also referred to a civil suit of Ayesha dismissed by a local court.

The CJ also hinted at forming a joint investigation team (JIT) comprising officers from spy agencies to probe the charges leveled against him by Ayesha. Later, Hamza also accepted the offer.

Previously, the Supreme Court had ordered the police to register a case on the complaint of Ayesha on charges of torture against Hamza and others. Chief Justice Nisar had taken suo motu notice on her application wherein she had referred to threats to her and her daughter’s life at the hands of Hamza.

On Monday, the CJ disclosed that he had received a message on his mobile phone from an anonymous number, which was later identified as of Ayesha. He said he had asked his staff to contact the number and listened to the complaint made in the message.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2018