SC accepts Nehal Hashmi’s unconditional apology, withdraws contempt notice

SC accepts Nehal Hashmi’s unconditional apology, withdraws contempt notice

Islamabad (Staff Report): The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday accepted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’ (PML-N) former Senator Nehal Hashmi’s unconditional written apology in a contempt case.

A second contempt notice was served upon Hashmi, who was punished and disqualified from holding public office recently, for abusing judges after his release from Adiala jail.

A three-member bench of the top court withdrew the contempt of court notice issued to the former senator over his speech targeting the judiciary.

Earlier in the day, Hashmi had attempted to verbally apologise for his remarks before the court, however, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar asked him to submit a written apology.

“I am ashamed of my behaviour,” Hashmi admitted before the court, requesting the apex court to exercise forgiveness.

“In the future, I will try to be careful even in the privacy of my home. I will make an effort not to utter words that offend others even inside my car.” Hashmi added.

Accepting the apology, the CJP said that discharging contempt case against Hashmi was not a ‘license’ for others to utter unwarranted and disrespectful remarks against the judiciary.

“The court did not want Hashmi’s descendants to be punished for his actions,” remarked the CJP.