SC dampens PTI supporters’ expectations

Makes an exception to its own rule by not allowing livestream of proceedings attended by Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court on Thursday dampened the excitement of PTI supporters by not allowing the livestream of its proceedings in the NAB law amendments case, which PTI founder Imran Khan attended from Adiala Jail via video link.

There was no official explanation as to why the livestream was not permitted, nor whether all judges on the bench unanimously decided against it.

Since May last year, state authorities have consistently prevented photos or videos of Imran Khan from being made public. This decision, seen by some as unwise, has generated more suspense regarding the former prime minister.

Despite the lessons from the February 8, 2024 general election results, the current government continues to follow the same policy regarding Imran.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court also adhered to this policy by not allowing the livestream of the NAB law amendments case hearing.

Read also: SC initiates investigation after Imran video link picture goes viral

Interestingly, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who presided over the bench hearing the NAB amendment case, had made history by allowing the livestream of public interest cases on the first day of his term as the chief justice.

Previously, when Justice Isa requested the SC to livestream the proceedings on his review petition, a bench led by former CJ Umar Ata Bandial had turned down the request with a majority vote, with the PTI-led government also opposing his plea.

When Justice Isa assumed office as the CJ in September 2023, a full-court formed a two-member committee comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar to formulate SOPs for livestreaming court proceedings.

It was decided that all public interest cases would be telecast live, while routine case proceedings would be recorded and uploaded on the SC website by the same evening.

However, this practice has not been consistently followed. It is expected that the bench will clarify why the livestream was not allowed in this case. Some lawyers speculate that the SC might have restricted the livestream because Imran Khan is a convicted person.

Read: SC takes suo motu notice of Vawda’s presser against Justice Sattar

Meanwhile, tensions have intensified between the executive and the judiciary over a letter penned by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges in March this year, alleging interference by spy agencies in the judicial process.

CJ Isa on Thursday took notice of the SC Registrar’s note regarding a press conference in which Senator Faisal Vawda used scandalous language against superior court judges. Vawda may now face trouble in the apex court.

One section within the government is pushing for a grand dialogue among all stakeholders, particularly the executive and the judiciary. On Wednesday, Attorney-General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan was tasked with pursuing the idea of institutional dialogue in a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office.

Some lawyers hope that better sense will prevail among all stakeholders, as no one can afford the ongoing confrontation. They also suggest that it is essential for the PTI to be involved as a significant stakeholder.

There is also some mistrust among SC judges. One group of lawyers expressed concern that the SC's decision to take notice of Vawda's press conference might affect the IHC's contempt proceedings against those running a malicious campaign against high court judges.