Ex-AJK PM urges end to state meddling in judicial, political affairs

Abdul Qayyum Niazi stresses importance of state institutions operating within constitutional bounds

LAHORE:

Former prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi, has called for an end to the interference of state institutions in judicial and political matters, emphasising that such meddling not only harms the nation but also weakens Pakistan's position on the Kashmir issue globally.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Opposition Leader in the AJK Assembly, Khwaja Farooq Ahmed, Niazi highlighted the importance of state institutions operating within the bounds of the Constitution to ensure Pakistan's economic and political stability.

He described the recent letter from six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) as a significant development in the country's political and constitutional history, asserting that it shed light on how judges were influenced and coerced by state institutions to sway decisions in their favour.

Niazi expressed concern over the alleged manipulation of election results, which led to the conversion of PTI's ‘overwhelming majority’ into a minority, citing revelations made by a former commissioner in Rawalpindi regarding electoral malpractices.

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He also criticised what he referred to as the "London Plan," alleging that it involved pardoning corrupt individuals while implicating PTI founder Imran Khan in false and politically motivated cases to keep him sidelined from the electoral process.

Regarding the Kashmir issue, Niazi stressed the importance of a politically, economically, and diplomatically strong Pakistan to effectively pursue the Kashmir cause on the global stage. He emphasised Imran Khan's role as a prominent leader capable of advocating for Kashmir and Palestine at an international level.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the AJK assembly, Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, condemned meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, criticising it as a departure from constitutional norms and an affront to Imran Khan's stance of unity.

Khawaja Farooq underscored the significance of a strong Pakistan in advancing the cause of Kashmir's freedom, lamenting the internal issues currently plaguing the country and their adverse effects on the Kashmir case.

He called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, alleging their bias in favour of certain political parties and urging a commitment to constitutional supremacy and the rule of law for Pakistan's progress and development.