Contempt of court: IHC directs Firdous Ashiq Awan to submit written apology

• Rejecting her apology, IHC has directed Awan to submit written apology by November 11.
• Awan was served another the second contempt notice for making a statement regarding a pending proceeding related to Nawaz Sharif.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed on Tuesday the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting (SAPM) Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan to submit a written apology regarding the second contempt of court notice.

Appearing before the court today, Awan tendered her apology to IHC Chief Justice Justice Athar Minallah. However, the court directed her to submit a written apology by Saturday and set November 11 as the date for the next hearing, local media reported. The SAPM requested the court to exempt her from the next hearing, however, the court rejected her application and directed her to appear in the next court proceedings.

On October 30, the IHC issued the first show cause notice to the SAPM for criticising the institution of judiciary. Awan tendered her unconditional apology to the court which the bench accepted. However, the high court served her another notice for making a statement regarding a pending criminal proceeding related to the bail petition for Nawaz Sharif.

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

Following Nawaz's bail, Awan, in her press conference, referred to the IHC's question whether the government will take responsibility for his health if he is granted bail. Awan 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.