The PTI chairman’s mounting legal challenges are entirely of his own making. Despite getting a rare opportunity to tender an unconditional apology from the Islamabad High Court and possibly avoiding contempt of court charges arising from his disturbing remarks aimed at Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry, Mr. Khan faced a dilemma. Preventing your ego from getting in the way of goodness.
Instead of a straight apology, as the court expected, Mr Khan merely offered a more detailed defense of his actions, expressing ‘deep regret’ over the matter.
Impressed and possibly even more angry with Mr Khan for wasting the court’s time with his unrepentant response, the IHC has now decided to file contempt of court charges against the former prime minister on September 22. “We are not convinced that the respondent cleared himself of the wrongdoing in respect of which the show cause notice was issued,” the court said in its judgment.
Those facing contempt proceedings are expected to offer an unqualified, unconditional apology and a symbolic plea for mercy from the court if they wish to avoid a formal trial. However, Mr Khan, or his legal advisers, or both, have decided that they will fight the allegation rather than walk away – thus setting up an unnecessary confrontation with the court.
It must also be borne in mind that the IHC chief justice has in the past described himself as quite averse to contempt of court proceedings. The court’s decision to frame charges, in this case, seems more indicative of immense frustration at Mr Khan for refusing a chance to redeem himself.
One also wonders why Mr Khan has found it so difficult to just say ‘sorry’ and be done with it. He has already expressed “deep regret” over his utterances and gone to great lengths to explain why he said what he did. Clearly, he realises he may have done something wrong. But instead of offering a clear apology, he has beaten about the bush and subsequently invited the court’s ire.
The leader of a party literally named ‘movement for justice’ seems to be expecting the judiciary to submit and give him special treatment just because of his rising star. This cannot be.
Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and other members of parliament who were convicted of contempt were disqualified from contesting elections for a five-year period. If found guilty, Mr Khan is likely to face the same punishment.
There may be some who believe that this is just another attempt by his opponents at a technical knock-out to check the PTI chairman’s growing popularity. However, the truth is that Mr Khan has this time picked a fight of his own choosing.
