Senator Faisal Vawda on Wednesday tendered, with an 'Islamic Touch', an unconditional and unqualified apology for his May 13 anti-judiciary tirade.
"Thus, the respondent (Vawda) was suggested by religious scholars that the Quran encourages humility and seeking forgiveness even if one feels justified, it is virtuous to ask for forgiveness to maintain humility and peace, reflecting Islamic values of mercy and reconciliation," Vawda submitted in his eight-page reply.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justices Irfan Saadat Khan and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, is expected to take up the contempt of court case against him on June 28.
At the last hearing of the case, Vawda refused to tender an apology, instead submitting a lengthy explanation for his outburst at a press conference in May. The court granted Vawda a final opportunity to make amends and furnish a reply afresh.
In his latest submission, Vawda maintained that he was deeply moved by the recitation of the verses of the Holy Quran and references made to certain Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by Chief Justice Isa along with the sound advice given that the matter is not about anyone's personal ego.
"The respondent (Vawda), after the hearing on June 5, 2024, met with religious scholars and consulted with them on what his role should be as a Senator, an elected lawmaker and a Muslim with respect to the judiciary and how he ought to conduct himself in the light of [teachings of the] Holy Quran and Ahadees even if he intends to assist the honourable courts in reforming itself for the betterment of the people of Pakistan," the reply stated.
He referred to certain Islamic teachings in his reply:
"That in light of the aforementioned teachings of the Holy Quran and Ahadees of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as explained by religious scholars, the respondent has come to the realisation that the maintenance of a good public image and estimation of the judiciary is vital for the judiciary to be able to perform and, as per the respondent's utmost desire, become a beacon of hope and prosperity for the people of Pakistan."
"The respondent (Vawda) has come to the further realisation that despite his best intentions, his press conference may have come across as objectionable and in order to ensure the prestige of the judiciary and to uphold the Islamic injunctions concerning the image of the judiciary as communicated to him by religious scholars, the respondent submits himself before the honourable court and deeply regrets
any harm that may have been caused by his press conference dated May 18, 2024."
Vawda submitted that he is willing to take any steps that the top court deems necessary and appropriate to satisfy the court. He further maintained that he never intended to impugn the dignity or independence of the judiciary.