Opposing views of PML-N, PTI echo during LHCBA elections

PML-N continues criticism of former apex court judges

LAHORE:

At a time when the PML-N has turned its guns toward former judges of the Supreme Court, the former ruling party PTI has pinned all hopes on the superior judiciary to steer the country of the current imbroglio.

These mixed views were heard at the Lahore High Court premises, where lawmakers from both parties approached the court to exercise their right to vote in favour of their favorite candidates in the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) elections.

PMLN’s former provincial minister Rana Mashhood, quoting the chief justice, said the "Constitution of Pakistan is knocking at Supreme Court's doors while they [PTI] are saying 'conscious' is knocking".

He questioned why an elected prime minister, referring to party supremo Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified by the wrong decisions of the judges.

"With the passage of time, everyone saw the decision of those judges proved to be incorrect."

Mashhood further asked if CJP Umar Ata Bandial had not taken an oath under PCO. However, he hoped that Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi would not become part of the bench hearing the current suo motu case.

On the other hand, PTI’s former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry said the Supreme Court is the guardian of Pakistan's Constitution.

"Only the PML-N has attacked the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the past, PML-N wants to weaken the institution."

He expressed hope that the apex court will not only protect the Constitution but also the rights of the common people.