PTI targets top justices amid letter turmoil

Lawyers demand resignations of CJP Isa, IHC CJ Aamir Farooq

In a significant turn of events, the legal team of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) escalated their demands on Friday, calling for the resignations of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. Their demands come in the wake of a damning letter penned by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), alleging interference in judicial affairs.

Addressing the media at a press conference, PTI representatives Raoof Hasan, Naeem Haider Panjutha, Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari, and Niazullah Niazi underscored the paralysis gripping the country's legal system. Acting upon directives from PTI founder Imran Khan, they vowed to launch a nationwide movement to address these concerns.

Hasan emphasized the gravity of the judges' letter, labeling it a "very serious issue." He pointed out the letter's reference to Chief Justice Isa's inaction regarding the judges' grievances.

Read more: PTI rejects inquiry commission on judges' letter

Pointing to allegations made in the letter, he said that installing cameras in people’s bedrooms was a “murder of justice and law”. He also opposed the inquiry by a retired judge over the letter, asking how the accused [executive] could be the judge in its own case.

“Will the prime minister himself decide whether he is guilty or not,” he posed a question, while referring to the inquiry commission headed by a retired judge, as announced by the government on Thursday. “We will not let this mockery happen.”

Read more: Commission to probe 'letter controversy' after PM-CJP meeting

Panjotha said that a 26-hour operation was conducted at Imran’s house but the chief justice remained silent. Similarly, on March 28, last year, there was an attack on the PTI workers at the judicial complex but the blame was unfairly placed on party workers.

“The [conviction of Imran in the] Toshakhana case was decided through WhatsApp message. The Cypher case trial [against Imran] was ended within four weeks. What happened to our application for level-playing field [in the elections]? Chief Justice Isa even snatched our [electoral] bat symbol,” he charged.

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Niazi echoed these sentiments, asserting that the judges' letter underscored systemic dysfunction within the country. Despite the letter's direct address to Chief Justice Isa, Niazi lamented the absence of any consequential action. He accused the country of descending into a state of lawlessness, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability.

Demanding immediate resignations from Chief Justice Isa and Chief Justice Farooq, Niazi declared that the time for mere press conferences had passed. He announced plans for a widespread movement, pledging to petition both the Supreme Court and the high court. Niazi reiterated Imran Khan's call for nationwide protests, signaling a decisive shift towards direct action.