The IHC had summoned Shamim, the editor-in-chief of The News Mir Shakilur Rahman and journalist Ansar Abbasi who broke the sensational story on Monday.

According to Abbasi's story, CJP Saqib Nisar had directed a high court judge to not release Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz on bail at any cost before the 2018 General Elections.

“Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif must remain in jail until the general elections are over. On assurances from the other side, he (Saqib Nisar) became calm and happily demanded another cup of tea,” Shamim wrote in the affidavit.

Nisar has denied the claims.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah took notice of the matter after the name of a sitting HC judge also named in the controversy that took place after allegations of the former CJ GB.

Shamim was not present in court on Tuesday but Abbasi was along with Aamir Ghauri, the editor-in-chief of Jang Group and editor of The News.

Shamim's son, was present in his father's place and apologized for his father's absence.

Justice Minallah called Mir Shakil- ur-Rahman to the rostrum according to a story in Geo.

"I have summoned you with a heavy heart," Minallah reportedly said.

He then went on to ask Abbasi why Shamim remained silent for three years and what forced him to certify and stamp his statement from abroad.

“You are an expert of carrying investigative stories, have you noted the issues,” he asked the reporter, according to a story in ARY.

AGP Khalid Javed said that the statement on oath has scandalized the whole issue.

Justive Minallah said there is an impression that the statement of former judge Shamim is a lie and issued show-cause notices to all parties and asked them to file their replies by Nov 24.

"The judges of this court are accountable and face criticism," he then said, adding that if the people do not trust the judiciary, there will be chaos in society.

He recalled that a propaganda campaign was launched against him on social media that he had taken a flat in the UK. "If a former chief justice gives an affidavit, will you print it on the front page?" he said.