The disgruntled PTI leader in his reply argued that other people had also made similar remarks but had not been issued contempt notices.

Requesting the court to show restraint by dismissing the case, Vawda said his remarks were motivated by concerns for the national wellbeing.

Vawda also annexed with his reply the transcripts of speeches by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Raoof Hasan.

He highlighted that Raoof Hasan had threatened judges, while Shehbaz labelled judges as “black sheep,” and Fazl issued threats in a speech outside the SC building.

The former minister had address a press conference on May 15 over the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges' letter following alleged intelligence agencies’ interference in judicial affairs, and the alleged dual nationality of a senior judge. Besides criticizing the judiciary, he ad asked Islamabad High Court (IHC) Judge Babar Sattar to present evidence supporting his allegations about spy agencies meddling in the judiciary.

The next day, the Supreme Court issued contempt notice to him.

Regarding the judiciary’s respect, he said, "I have every respect and regard for the judiciary and could never imagine doing any act which lowered the estimation of the judiciary in any manner."

He added that criticising judicial decisions that negatively impact citizens should not be considered contempt.

Claiming that his presser was made with bona fide intentions and was fair, he said that he had highlighted the need for the judiciary to address issues affecting the public that have been neglected by both the judiciary and the executive.

The Supreme Court is set to hear two contempt cases on June 5 (tomorrow) initiated against Senator Vawda and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan senior leader Mustafa Kamal, who held an identical press conference on May 16.