SC directs Imran Khan to reply on interior ministry’s evidence in contempt case

SC directs Imran Khan to reply on interior ministry’s evidence in contempt case

Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): The Supreme Court on Friday gave time to PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan to submit his reply in response to the evidence provided by the Ministry of Interior against him regarding the May 25 events. 

Presiding over the hearing of a petition filed by the Interior Ministry allegedly violating the top court’s order regarding the party’s march on May 25, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial remarked that the top court shows restraint in using its powers relating to contempt. He said the court only takes action when its orders are violated. 

“We are not issuing any order at the moment,” said the CJP Bandial and added that Imran Khan has submitted a detailed reply and hoped that it is correct and based on facts.

During the last hearing, the PTI chief maintained that he was not made aware of the SC’s order of May 25 that defined the limits for his party’s ‘Azadi March’ at the time and as such, “has not knowingly violated” any of its orders.

Khan said that the top court in its order also asked advocate Babar Awan to meet him, however, the administration did not facilitate a meeting.

“We regret taking this step unintentionally,” said the PTI chief, adding that the May 25 call for a peaceful protest was against the incumbent government's behaviour.

Imran Khan is facing contempt proceedings for allegedly violating the top court’s order regarding the party’s march on May 25.