CJ Isa calls out PTI’s contradiction

Top judge to Khosa: ‘Accusations outside, relief inside?’

ISLAMABAD:

ISLAMABAD: Calling out its seemingly contradictory stance, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Tuesday noted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) displayed distrust in the judiciary while simultaneously seeking relief.

He made the remarks while a three-member was addressing pending cases when PTI’s lawyer Latif Khosa unexpectedly approached the rostrum to request that the application against former prime minister Imran Khan’s disqualification in the Toshakhana case be scheduled for a hearing.

CJP Isa, responding to Khosa's plea, quipped, "Latif Khosa saheb, you go out and make accusations. On the one hand, you do not trust the judiciary; on the other hand, you also ask for relief."
The CJP added that relief would be granted according to the law.

It is pertinent to note that earlier, PTI withdrew its petition seeking contempt proceedings against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), alleging the ECP's failure to ensure a level playing field for the upcoming elections.

Read: Imran, wife indicted in Toshakhana case

The party had filed the plea on December 26, 2023, but decided to withdraw it during the court hearing.
Khosa had informed CJP Isa that PTI would take the matter to the “people's court” rather than pursuing it within the judiciary. He lamented that the January 13 verdict, which deprived PTI of its 'bat' symbol, forced the party to refrain from contesting on more than 230 seats.

In response, CJP Isa questioned Khosa about the continuation of the case, to which Khosa explained that he had been directed to withdraw the plea. He criticised the apex court for "shattering the PTI's level playing field," arguing that the forced independent candidacy of all PTI candidates would create confusion among voters.

However, PTI appears poised for a countermove. Sources earlier told The Express Tribune that the party is gearing up to challenge the top court’s order, with a review petition in the works.

Some legal experts find themselves perplexed by the party's seemingly contradictory stance. While PTI openly expresses mistrust in CJP Isa, its legal team prepares for a review petition—scheduled to appear before the same bench led by CJP Isa.