IHC Orders Show Cause Notices Over Alleged Disobedience of Court Directives
Islamabad: (Alina Janat) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has expressed strong displeasure over the absence of respondents and their alleged failure to comply with its earlier directions, ordering the issuance of show cause notices in a contempt of court petition and directing the respondents to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas passed the order on November 4, 2026, while hearing Criminal Original No. 323/2026, filed by Mahmood-ud-Din and another against Dr Rizwan Taj and others. Advocate Imran Ishfaq appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while no one appeared on behalf of the respondents.
According to the court order, the petitioners approached the court seeking contempt proceedings against the respondents over their alleged wilful and persistent failure to comply with directions issued in a judgment dated March 16, 2026, in Writ Petition No. 3912 of 2013.
The court had issued formal notices to the respondents on September 9, 2026, directing them to submit their replies within seven days. On September 21, the court also directed all respondents to appear in person at the next hearing to explain their position regarding the allegations of contempt.
On October 1, counsel for the respondents sought an adjournment, stating that an amicable resolution was expected. Relying on the assurance given by counsel, the court granted the request and conditionally dispensed with the respondents’ personal appearance.
However, on October 12, the respondents’ counsel sought further time to submit a compliance report. When the matter came up for hearing on November 4, neither the respondents nor their counsel appeared before the court.
The court expressed serious displeasure over the repeated requests for more time and the subsequent absence of the respondents and their counsel. It observed that their conduct prima facie amounted to disregard of judicial authority and could attract proceedings under Article 204 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, read with the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003.
Consequently, the court directed its office to issue show cause notices to the respondents forthwith. The respondents have been directed to submit detailed written replies within seven days of receiving the notices, explaining why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against them.
The court further directed the respondents to ensure their personal appearance at the next hearing and at every subsequent hearing until further orders.
The matter has been directed to be relisted for further proceedings.
