On Friday, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a clarification concerning his alleged comments made during a conversation with prominent rights activist and attorney Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir the day before, stating that his statements were taken “out of context.”
The exchange occurred during the hearing regarding the request to remove rights activist Mahrang Baloch’s name from the Exit Control List, during which Justice Dogar cautioned Mazari about potential contempt of court proceedings for allegedly labeling him a ‘dictator’.
The issue was raised again in the context of another case.
In addressing the matter, Justice Dogar remarked that Mazari was ‘just like a daughter to him’, and he was merely trying to explain things to her the previous day.
‘As the chief justice and an elder, I was attempting to help her understand.’
He further stated that his comments had been taken out of context, leading to ‘a storm brewing’.
The IHC Chief Justice asserted that during his conversation with Mazari, he had indicated that while she was entitled to disagree with his decisions, she should refrain from making her criticisms personal.
Additionally, it has been reported that during the exchange yesterday, Justice Dogar also addressed Mazari’s husband, Hadi Ali Chatha, saying: ‘Hadi sahib, make her understand; if I get hold of her someday…’
However, he clarified today that he did not imply anything about ‘getting hold of’ Mazari.
‘I did not say that I will get hold of her, [but] this [reported remark] has been circulating since yesterday. Hadi sahib was present [there], so I asked him to take her away or I would initiate contempt of court proceedings.’
He emphasized that if contempt of court proceedings were to occur, it would adversely affect Mazari’s career.
The IHC Chief Justice then reiterated: ‘I was explaining to her just as I would to a child, but she was not comprehending. She was continuously referencing fundamental rights. Does this court not possess any fundamental rights?’
Mazari, known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistani authorities, posted on X following yesterday’s hearing that ‘it is crucial for CJ IHC to recognize that I am not activist Imaan Mazari in his court; I am a lawyer representing my client and conduct myself according to professional etiquette (and a court should do the same).’
She added that Mahrang Baloch…
