Sharifs deportation is contempt of court: Former CJP

Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharifs deportation to Jeddah is a case of contempt of court, said former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui.

Washington, Sep 12 : Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif's deportation to Jeddah is a case of contempt of court, said former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui.

The verdict of Pakistan Supreme Court is clear that Sharif has the right to return to Pakistan and the SC should take suo motu cognisance notice of this flagrant violation of its orders by the Musharraf regime, or must entertain a writ petition against it, Siddiqui said.

"It is a question of the Supreme Court's honour and good name. If what happened on Monday becomes the norm, then how can a citizen hope to receive justice or have his grievances addressed," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

Siddiqui further said that the court has the power to impose a fine or order a term in jail for those who violate and disobey its orders.

Fakhruddin G Ibrahim, senior counsel acting for the exiled Prime Minister said that Pakistan is not a "fairyland or a banana republic" where such blatant disregard for law can be permitted.

Ibrahim scoffed at a government official claiming that Nawaz Sharif had gone back "of his own accord". He called the claim "ridiculous".

United States want only such a government in Pakistan that can carry out its wishes. Obviously, Sharif was not considered compliant enough, Arif Nizami, editor of The Nation, said.

Hasan Askari-Riavi, political scientist and commentator said, while the government may have temporarily fought off the challenge posed by Nawaz Sharif, in the long run, the PML-N leader would be the net gainer.

ANI