ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday showed displeasure over the absence of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The court summoned the minister for calling Shireen “tractor trolley” during a joint parliamentary session.
A single bench of IHC led by Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui took up the case. During the hearing, Shireen Mazari appeared in the court, but Asif remained absent.
Asif’s lawyer told the court that the minister was busy in a meeting. Justice Siddiqui said, “Be it the meeting of parliament or cabinet . Why he has not appeared in the court during its proceedings. Later, the court adjourned the hearing of case until December 19.
Shireen told reporters, “Asif considers courts as a joke while I fully hope for an equitable decision from court.”
To a question, she said, “The minister insulted women after vulgar outburst as I represented women in parliament. Therefore, Asif has to offer an apology to me.”
Separately, Justice Siddiqui recused himself from hearing the bullet-proof vehicle case in respect of the former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.
Chaudhry’s counsel Sheikh Ahsanuddin told the court that division bench of IHC has suspended single-bench order about the vehicle. Justice Siddiqui said, “You got suspended the order for producing vehicle in the court. Give the arguments on main case now.”
Sheikh said, “I cannot come due to chehlum of my brother.”
Justice Siddiqui recused himself from the hearing and returned the case to IHC Chief Justice Anwar Khan Kasi.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui during the hearing of the case on December 2 had ordered for producing the vehicle in the court on December 8. However, a division bench of IHC had suspended these orders.
