PBC denounces PTI's demand for CJP’s recusal

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has strongly condemned a recent demand by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to recuse himself from cases involving the political party.

The top national body of lawyers labelled the demand as a pressure tactic aimed at undermining the judiciary.

In a statement issued on Monday, PBC Vice Chairman Riazat Ali Sahar and PBC Executive Committee Chairman Farooq Hamid Naek criticised the PTI's core committee for insisting that Chief Justice Isa step aside from all PTI-related cases.

The PTI had argued that their party has not received fair treatment since Justice Isa assumed his role as Chief Justice of Pakistan.

The PBC leaders pointed out that, under the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act, 2023, bench composition is determined by a committee comprising the Chief Justice and the two next most senior judges.

They described the PTI's demand as "just a wish of a political party," characterising it as an uncalled-for attempt to exert undue pressure on Chief Justice Isa.

Read also: PTI voices concerns over CJP Isa’s alleged bias

"This is extremely deplorable and not acceptable to the legal fraternity," they added.

Praising CJP Isa, the PBC emphasised his competence, integrity, and independence, stating that he enjoys great respect among the legal community. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining judicial independence and rejected any efforts to malign the judiciary or target CJP Isa with ulterior motives.

"The Pakistan Bar Council and the legal fraternity have always supported and struggled for the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary, as enshrined in the Constitution," the statement read.

It is pertinent to note that PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan made these remarks during an interview with a private TV channel, expressing his party's grievances about the judicial process.

He complained that previously, PTI was not receiving justice, and now, its petitions were not even being considered.

“The PTI core committee wants that CJP Isa should not sit on benches in our cases,” Hasan stated.

“Unfortunately, the kind of decisions that are being delivered are seen to be biased; the element of favouritism in case verdicts strengthens our demand," he alleged.