Firdous Ashiq Awan tenders unconditional apology over contempt of court notice

• IHC issued her a show-cause notice on October 30 for 'maligning' the high court.
• Court said Awan had maligned the IHC by saying hearing of a petition on release of Nawaz Sharif was a 'special dispensation'.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting (SAPM) Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan tendered on Friday an unconditional apology to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after she was issued a contempt of court notice.

The IHC issued a show-cause notice to the SAPM on October 30 for criticising the institution of judiciary. The high court stated that Awan had maligned the IHC by saying that the hearing of a petition on Nawaz Sharif's release was a 'special dispensation'. "You as a special assistant to the PM and spokesperson of the federal government, made an attempt to scandalize the court in the eyes of the public, thereby, tried to lower the esteem of the judiciary," the IHC said.

The court summoned her to appear on November 1 (today) and explain as to why she should not be proceeded against under contempt laws. During the hearing today, the Awan tendered her apology to IHC Chief Justice Justice Athar Minallahand said that she would be extremely careful in the future. The IHC accepted her apology and issued her another contempt of court notice, local media reported.

The IHC served her another notice for making a statement regarding a pending criminal proceeding related to the bail petition for Nawaz. The IHC has sought her reply by Monday. The IHC chief justice remarked that the PM had fought for the rule of law and that he was sure that the PM had never instructed Awan to use such language against the court.

On October 29, the IHC granted post-arrest bail to Nawaz after suspending his sentence in the Al-Azizia case. The court allowed the bail Nawaz for eight weeks and asked him to seek further extension from the Punjab government.

Following the bail of Nawaz, Awan in her presser referred to the IHC's question and said that asking the executive to take responsibility for the health of a prisoner had no precedent.  “We are not responsible for his old ailments, including blood pressure and cardiac issues," Awan said.