Interior Minister Rehman Malik has sought unconditional apology in contempt of court case against Rehman Malik pertaining to corruption in Pakistan Steel Mills.
Talking to media outside the Supreme Court building here on Thursday he said he has always been respecting the courts and would continue to do so in future.
“I was trying to enhance the scope of investigations by taking this step,” said Rehman Malik addressing a press conference outside the Supreme Court.
He further explained, “I initiated the investigation because National Assembly told me to give details. I presented myself to the Supreme Court because I want to gain respect and not embarrassment.”
“The court has said that they will hear me out later which suits me perfectly as government is set to end in few weeks and I will be free of all duties and present my case properly.”
He said he has submitted his reply to the Supreme Court in connection with a contempt of court regarding the hearing of the Steel Mills and said that he had always respected the courts.
He said he is proud to expose the names of criminals.
Interior Minister urged Punjab Government to take action against Lashkar-e-jhangwi and said that if we want peace to prevail in the country than Punjab government should take action against LeJ.
The federal minister further said that he should not be compared to Dr Tahirul Qadri and that there was no shame in admitting ones mistake after it is proven in court.
Earlier malik submitted his unconditional apology before the court.
In his reply before the court today‚ Rehman Malik said he had never interfered in the judicial matters.He said that he leaves himself upto the mercy of court and his unconditional apology should be accepted.He told the court that by March 16 the government would be wrapped up and he would be free after that to appear before the court.
Later the court adjourned the hearing for 10 days.
The Supreme Court had taken a suo moto action against the corruption charges against PSM.
Rehman Malik’s involvement in the case began when he formulated a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) joint investigation team to investigate the Steel Mills corruption case. This step by the interior minister did not impress the apex court.
The Supreme Court issued a contempt of court notice to Interior Minister Rehman Malik for “unnecessary transfers” of officials conducting the probe, on December 17, 2009.