Tafsir of Al-Ma'aarij 70:6

"Indeed, they see it"—meaning the punishment that is to occur, or the Day mentioned in His saying—Exalted is He—"on a Day whose measure is..." based on the understanding that what is intended by it is the Day of Judgment. This is either connected to "ascend" as you heard previously, or to "imminent" (bi-waqi'), or to "flowing" (bi-sayl—from saylan), or to the Day of Resurrection, which is indicated by "imminent" (waqi'). Consequently, the implication in the words of Al-Kashshaf—limiting the return of the pronoun to the Day of Resurrection to cases where "on a Day" is connected to "imminent"—is a matter of debate. The meaning of "they see it" is that they believe it to be...

"Distant"—meaning, removed from possibility. The intent is that they believe it to be impossible, or that its occurrence is impossible. The meaning is that they believe it will not occur at all, even if it is inherently possible. The words of the disbelievers of the people of Mecca regarding the Day of Resurrection and the Reckoning allow for both possibilities. Indeed, you might hear them speak in a way that almost suggests they acknowledge its occurrence, as they claim their idols will intercede for them; thus, they are as changeable regarding it as a chameleon.

If by "the punishment" the punishment of the Day of Resurrection is intended, then it is like the Day of Resurrection in their view, or else it will not occur for them at all, due to their claim that their idols ward it off from them. If, however, the punishment of this world is intended, then it is apparent that they do not deny its possibility; they only deny its occurrence. The claim that they deny its inherent possibility is hardly sustainable.