Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar has issued a clarification over his remarks regarding lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari, saying his words were misinterpreted and spread out of context.
'Imaan Mazari is like my daughters'
During the hearing of a case in the IHC, Chief Justice Dogar clarified that he never said he would “catch” Imaan Mazari, as opposed to what had been circulating since Thursday. Instead, he explained that his remarks were made in his capacity as a judge and as an elder.
“Imaan Mazari is like my daughters. I was explaining to her yesterday as the chief justice and as an elder,” he said.
Explanation of courtroom exchange
The CJ said he had been trying to guide Mazari during proceedings, but his words were wrongly circulated on social media.
“My words have been taken out of context, and a storm has been created,” Dogar noted. “I had said that you can disagree with my decisions, but avoid going personal.”
He explained that his remarks about “catching” someone were addressed to Imaan's husband, Hadi Chattha, present in the courtroom. “I told him, get hold of her and take her away, otherwise I will take contempt of court action,” the chief justice claimed.
Possible contempt action
Justice Dogar added that he was mindful of the consequences of contempt proceedings against a young lawyer. “If contempt of court action is taken, the girl’s career will be ruined,” he remarked, stressing that his intent was to advise and protect, not threaten.
The chjef Justice further said he had repeatedly reminded Mazari that fundamental rights apply to all, including the judiciary itself. “I explained to her like a child, but she was not understanding,” he noted, adding that she was repeatedly talking about fundamental rights. "Does this court not have fundamental rights?"
