LAHORE: A petition was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) Tuesday seeking the initiation of contempt proceedings against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and 14 other leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over their speeches against judiciary in Islamabad to Lahore rally and recent public meetings of the party.

The petitioners are Amna Malik, the wife of Abdullah Malik, who is President Armaan Foundation, and Civil Society Network of Pakistan.

The petitioner stated that the court should initiate contempt proceedings against Nawaz Sharif and his 14 colleagues over their anti- judiciary speeches.

In the initial hearing today, lawyer of the petitioners said the PML-N leadership has committed treason. At which, the court asked how can it be dubbed as treason? “The party of those you are labeling as traitors is in the government,” the judge said.

The lawyer replied “Nawaz Sharif is not associated with the government anymore.”

Admitting the petition for hearing, the court issued notices to all respondents which are Nawaz Sharif, Pervaiz Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Mushahid Ullah Khan, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Talal Chaudhry, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Maiza Hameed, Abid Sher Ali, Khawaja Asif, Danyal Aziz, Asif Karmani, Ishaq Dar and Absar Alam (Chairman PEMRA).

The respondents have been ordered to file their replied by Aug 25.

The case will be heard by Justice Mamoon of the LHC. – Samaa