PTI opposes retired judges on election tribunals

Punjab opposition leader warns govt’s illegal actions will inevitably backfire

LAHORE:

Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar on Sunday opposed the inclusion of retired judges in the election tribunals for hearing the Form 47-related cases, warning of “serious political and legal repercussions” of the government's decision.

Speaking at a news conference, Bhachar noted the judiciary's commitment to upholding the Constitution, but accused the government of trying to appoint “favourable retired judges” to secure desired outcomes.

Several Form-47s – the consolidated election result of a constituency based on tallies at the polling stations in Form-45s – have been challenged in the election tribunals. On May 27, an ordinance was issued to allow retired judges for appointment to the election tribunals on electoral disputes.

Bhachar emphasised that his party firmly rejected the government's decision, citing potential serious political and legal repercussions. “This entire government set-up hinges upon the Form 47s and the court decisions [on the challenges],” he said.

"Retired judges cannot render fair decisions," the opposition leader told reporters. He noted the judiciary's commitment to upholding the Constitution but accused the government of trying to appoint favourable retired judges to secure the desired outcomes.

Bhachar also condemned the registration of “unjust FIRs [first information reports]” against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers. He announced that his party was ready to launch a protest movement, led by parliamentary, political, and regional leaders against the injustices.

“The first protest will target the inspector general (IG) of Punjab police, whom Bhachar accused of fabricating cases against PTI leaders and workers. He urged the police to desist from illegal activities. He warned the government that its illegal actions would inevitably backfire.

He alleged that 16 PTI members died on May 9, for which no FIRs were registered, and criticised the government for employing underhanded tactics to turn Pakistan into a "banana republic”. He cautioned against pushing people to the brink. "We are fully prepared for a movement," he reiterated.

Speaking about the imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan, Bhachar refuted government claims that Imran was receiving exceptional treatment in jail. Instead, he claimed, Imran was being denied his basic rights as a former prime minister and the country's most popular leader.

Regarding the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) notices to senior PTI leaders, Bhachar pointed out that politicians like Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Nawaz Sharif, Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Asif and Khawaja Saad Rafiq had made numerous contentious statements on the floor of the house.

He suggested that if the government was serious about scrutinising politicians' statements, then “there is ample material” on record. He warned that such political targeting would ultimately backfire on the current rulers.