PTI legal team faces criticism for lack of interest

The legal team of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faced criticism on Monday for what appeared to be a lack of interest in a crucial court matter pertaining to the provision of level-playing field to the party in the upcoming general elections.

The focus of the controversy centred around PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, who, instead of presenting the party's case in the courtroom, engaged in a media talk, leaving the bench rising after disposing of routine cases.

In the morning, PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen appeared in the court of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and expressed his desire to address the court on the matter. Chief Justice Isa, however, advised the lawyer to return after a break, assuring that the bench would hear his plea.

However, during the 11 o'clock break, PTI lawyers opted to visit the Election Tribunal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) instead, filing an appeal against the rejection of their nomination papers. Upon return to the Supreme Court, Shaheen continued to engage with representatives of the digital media.

Meanwhile, the court concluded its session after hearing routine cases. The apparent lack of interest drew swift criticism on social media, with PTI supporters expressing disappointment in their legal team's handling of the situation.

The Supreme Court later however, fixed the PTI's plea for a level-playing field for hearing on January 3. A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musrat Hilali, will hear the plea.