Overview
- Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued a written verdict on November 13 dismissing the citizen’s petition at the threshold.
- Petitioner Hafiz Ihtisham (also reported as Hafiz Ehtesham Ahmed) had sought contempt action under Article 204 of the Constitution and the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003.
- The petition alleged Mazari said trial judges in blasphemy cases privately acknowledge lack of evidence but convict due to public pressure.
- The court found her remarks were sweeping, based on opinion or hearsay, named no specific judge, and fell within protected expression with no evidence of mens rea.
- Finding no prima facie case, the IHC dismissed the matter in limine, noting the comments were made at Islamabad’s National Press Club last year with reports differing on the exact date.