Court rejects DC Islamabad ‘unconditional apology’, orders to submit reply

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday rejected Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Memon’s request seeking unconditional apology for his absence during the previous hearing.

The court dismissed his apology and directed him to respond to a second show-cause notice by Monday. Furthermore, IHC barred DC Islamabad from travelling abroad until further notice.

Presiding over the hearing, Justice Babar Sattar expressed frustration over the delays caused by Memon’s legal team and blamed him for his actions.

SSP (Operations) Jameel Zafar also sought an unconditional apology from the court. “The verdict of the case will be announced next week,” noted Justice Sattar.

In response to the judge’s inquiry, Memon defended himself by admitting his ignorance and reaffirming his commitment to abiding by judicial orders. “I cannot even think of disobeying the court order,” he maintained.

READ MORE: Arrest warrant issued for DC Islamabad Irfan Memon

Justice Sattar stated, “This case was supposed to be concluded yesterday; however, that could not be the case due to your actions.” 

Justice Sattar rebuked the DC for issuing 69 MPO orders, raising the question of whether the individuals targeted by the orders were devoid of parental responsibilities or exempt from the obligation to perform Umrah.

“A year ago, you committed an error, and I assumed you had learned the situation,” He inquired while asking whether this was all a joke. 

“Your attorney is causing a delay in the resolution of this case. “Your action was incredibly foolish, and you shall bear the repercussions,” Justice Sattar cautioned. 

As Justice Sattar promptly denied Memon’s lawyer Rizwan Abbasi’s request to shift the case to another bench, the courtroom drama intensified. He stated, “We need not dramatize it.” 

He subsequently petitioned the court to vacate the contempt of court proceeding.