Vawda tenders unconditional apology to SC in contempt case

ISLAMABAD: Independent Senator Faisal Vawda finally tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court and requested to withdraw the show-cause notice issued to him for his presser in which he had levelled malicious and serious allegations against the judges of superior courts and spoke about sub judice cases.

On May 17, a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar, issued show cause notices to Faisal Vawda and MQM-Pakistan MNA Mustafa Kamal for their press conferences targeting the judiciary. The chief justice had taken suo moto notice of independent Senator Faisal Vawda’s hard-hitting press conference against the Islamabad High Court judges.

Vawda had criticised the IHC judges for their letter alleging meddling by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs, saying that the targeting of institutions must stop. “Stop targeting the institutions, enough is enough. If there is any interference by the institutions, then provide evidence and we will stand together [against it],” the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader had said during the presser.

Alongside Vawda’s press conference, Mustafa Kamal also addressed the media, demanded the implementation of dual citizenship law in all the institutions. Later, Mustafa Kamal tendered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court but Vawda had sought time to submit his reply to the show cause notice.

Invoking Islamic teachings in his reply to the show cause notice, Faisal Vawda submitted he sincerely apologizes unconditionally to show his utmost respect. He further submitted that he is willing to take any further steps that this court deems necessary and appropriate for their satisfaction and that he never intended to impugn the dignity or independence of the judiciary. The senator also expressed his commitment to stand behind the judiciary and organizations of Pakistan to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

He said that religious scholars suggested to him that the Holy Quran advises against hurling insults and derogatory remarks and to respond with dignity and seek clarification respectfully, addressing the allegations calmly and aiming for reconciliation.

In his reply he quoted, the Quranic guidance and Hadiths of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasizing reconciliation. The senator further submitted that he was also suggested by religious scholars that the Holy Quran encourages humility and seeking forgiveness even if one feels justified, it is virtuous to ask for forgiveness to maintain humility and peace, reflecting Islamic values of mercy and reconciliation.

“In light of the aforementioned teachings of the Quran and Hadiths, the respondent has realized that the maintenance of a good public image and estimation of the judiciary is vital for it to be able to perform and, in line with the respondent’s utmost desire, become a beacon of hope and prosperity for the people of Pakistan”, Vawda submitted. He prayed the court to withdraw the said show cause notice issued to him.

He reiterated that he has every respect and regard for the judiciary and his resolve to uphold the high stature given to the judiciary by Allah Almighty and the Constitution as judges and that he cannot imagine doing any act which lowers the estimation of the judiciary in any manner.

On Friday, the three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will resume hearing in the contempt proceedings against Faisal Vawda and Mustafa Kamal.