IHC issues contempt of court notice to federal cabinet in Dr Aafia Siddiqui case

ISLAMABAD
Islamabad High Court has issued contempt of court notice to federal cabinet in Dr Aafia Siddiqui case. The petition pertaining to health, release and return to Pakistan in respect of Dr Aafia Siddiqui came up for hearing in IHC Monday.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq heard the petition filed by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui. During the hearing of the case the court issued contempt of court notice to federal cabinet. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan issued contempt of court notice for not presenting report in Dr Aafia Siddiqui case.
Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan warned ignoring court’s orders persistently will not be tolerated. The federal cabinet will have to be accountable on this attitude.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan said the case will be heard next on first working day on expiry of holidays.
The roster of IHC judge is handled by chief justice office. Government has filed appeal against my decision is Supreme Court. A judge can not work during leave even if he wants so.
Justce Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan said my leave were to start from today. I had fixed Fouzia Siddiqui case with other cases today. I was told on Thursday cause list will not be issued today unless change is made in cause list.
I asked personal secretary to write application to chief justice in regard to cause list.
The judge further said chief justice could not find 30 seconds to sign the petition.
In the past judges roster has been used in connection with decisions of specific cases. Fouzia Siddiqui is daughter of Pakistan. Appeal is fixed in Supreme Court. Judge wants to sit in the court on the day of leave to provide justice.
Jusitce Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked once again administrative power was used for judicial power. I will not allow the justice to face defeat. I will use my judicial powers to maintain dignity of high court. Personal secretary told with reference to changing the roster.
He further remarked I asked personal secretary to send letter to cheif justice because some cases were fixed today. Fouzia Siddiqui case is of seprate nature. I had said if report does not come then I will initiate contempt of court proceedings.
Counsel Imran Shafiq said had government taken stay then bench would have been formed so far.
I know it case is running in high court. Your order is available. Case is fixed in your court today.
Justice Sardar Eja Ishaq Khan remarked it is not known how your case has not been fixed in Supreme Court so far.
Counsel Imran Shafiq said case will not be fixed in Supreme Court because Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is present there. Case will be fixed when judges roster is changed.