Imran Khan’s political fortunes hinge on top court

Out of National Assembly, former PM relentless resistance to govt continues through Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD:

As former prime minister Imran Khan announces the start of his party's ‘real freedom movement’ against the coalition government from Saturday, the Supreme Court will be important for his and his party’s future politics.

The PTI chief who, instead of challenging the government from the National Assembly benches, has been training his guns on the ruling coalition by constantly knocking on the doors of court of last resort.

And his political fortunes are now flying high thanks to the apex court that has not only entertained his challenges to the PDM government but has also given a ‘good response’.

The top court’s receptivity of his petitions has been steady and their hearings quick.

It may be noted here that CJP Bandial has observed that since a major political party (PTI) has left the parliament, the SC is intervening in such matters for maintaining a 'ballance'.

Also read: Combat threats with counter-threats: Imran

Similarly, instead of mounting resistance against the recent amendments in the accountability in the parliament, Imran challenged them in the Supreme Court through lawyer Khawaja Haris. A three-judge special bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial is hearing this matter.

The SC will also take up the PTI petition on Thursday (today) for the acceptance of its MNAs resignation by the former deputy speaker Qasim Suri. The PTI has also challenged the acceptance of around one dozen MNAs resignation by NA speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf.

Similarly, the party has also moved an application requesting the SC to suspend the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) schedule of by-elections in constituencies where NA speaker has accepted PTI MNAs resignation.

Also read: PTI to kick start anti-govt movement from Saturday: Imran

In case the SC suspends the ECP schedule of by-polls, the relief will come as a strong shot in the arm of PTI and inject momentum into its march towards political goals.

Meanwhile, there is a chance that SC may provide a way forward to the PTI for re-joining the parliament.

The apex court has already issued notice to the federal government on PTI leader Shahbaz Gill's plea against custodial torture in the country.

Likewise, Imran Khan's petition for ensuring the right of vote to overseas Pakistanis has been already entertained for hearing.

The ECP has already reserved judgment in the Toshakhana case. In case of adverse order, he will approach the SC for relief.

Similarly, the ECP final findings in the foreign prohibited case will also be challenged in the top court.

Senior lawyers also believe that at a time the PTI's relationship with the security establishment is tensed, the SC's role is important for Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, is learnt that Imran Khan may tender an unconditional apology before the Islamabad High Court today (Thursday) in the contempt case.

There's also a possibility that he may also take the rostrum to express his regret for uttering controversial statements against lady judge Zeba Chaudhry.