ISLAMABAD; Former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Jawad S. Khawaja has approached the Supreme Court (SC) with a contempt of court petition against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for failing to implement the court’s directive regarding the right to appeal for individuals convicted by military courts.
The petition, filed by Khawaja’s counsel Ahmad Hussain, states that the apex court had issued its verdict in the military courts case on May 7, directing the federal government to ensure that all individuals convicted by military tribunals be granted the right to appeal within 45 days. However, the government has failed to enact the necessary legislation to fulfill this requirement, even after the expiry of the specified time frame.
According to the petition, the failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision constitutes contempt of court, and therefore, contempt proceedings should be initiated against the Prime Minister. It further argues that under Article 90 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister is the chief executive of the country and, as head of the federal government, is responsible for the implementation of judicial orders.
The petition also draws a parallel with the disqualification of former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, who lost his office after being found guilty of contempt for not complying with a court order. It adds that in the current case, the federal government’s failure to provide the right of appeal to military court convicts directly violates the Supreme Court’s instructions, and thus accountability must follow.
In conclusion, Khawaja has urged the apex court to initiate contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for not enforcing the ruling, which he was constitutionally obligated to carry out.
