Aleema Khan claims government planning to ‘conquer’ judiciary for 'political gain'

Imran Khan's sister alleges government is brining in amendment to enable a double extension for CJP Qazi Faez Isa

Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding leader Imran Khan, has claime that there is a plan in place for the government to undermine the judiciary.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, she claimed, without offering any proof or evidence, that a constitutional amendment is being introduced with the aim of controlling the judiciary and safeguarding the current government.

“There is a plan to conquer the judiciary, and this is all being done to protect the government formed through Form 47,” Aliema stated.

She further alleged that the amendment would result in a double extension for Justice Qazi Faez Isa, adding, “People are being abducted to complete the numbers game. The judiciary is the only institution that remains independent.”

Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani stated that bills in the Senate would only pass if the required numbers were met, stating that the pending reforms bill depends on achieving full support.

Speaking to the media, Yousuf Raza Gilani said that making laws is the prerogative of the Parliament, and any decision to support or oppose a bill would be based on the details of the proposed reforms.

He further stated that passing bills is a regular parliamentary process.

Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated his opposition to Governor Rule, stating that such decisions should only be made under extremely concerning circumstances.

Aleema also echoed her brother Imran Khan’s stance on resisting injustice, saying, “Imran Khan has consistently said that a system of oppression will not prevail. They are looting the system of justice, and we must stand up to protect it.”

She emphasized the need for dialogue, particularly with the military, saying, “Imran Khan believes the mandate must be returned. The conversation is not with the army but with General Asim Munir. The doors for dialogue should not be closed.”

Aleema also praised PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur for working under difficult circumstances.

Judicial reforms

Amid swirling speculation about legislation to extend the retirement age of superior court judges, the federal government is preparing to roll out a comprehensive judicial reforms package in parliament, likely within the next two days.

With at least 22 amendments on the docket, these changes are set to overhaul the justice system and revamp the process of appointing the chief justice of the Supreme Court, according to well-placed sources.

Sources say the government has a few cards up its sleeve, with plans to introduce these reforms as early as Sunday.

The proposal's centrepiece is introducing a new appointment process for the chief justice. Under the proposed changes, the parliamentary committee and judicial commission could be merged.

Instead of automatically appointing the senior-most judge, a panel of five senior judges would be sent to the prime minister, who would have the final say.

The government believes the current practice of appointing the senior-most judge encourages lobbying within the judiciary, allowing the CJ to manipulate the seniority list to favour his preferred successors.

By giving this decision-making power to the prime minister, the government hopes to curb internal politicking within the judiciary.

The reform package also includes a proposal to allow transfers of judges from one high court to another, a move that would increase flexibility within the judicial system.

However, one key issue raising the retirement age of judges remains a bone of contention, with no agreement reached as of yet.

Despite some disagreements, all coalition parties are reportedly in agreement on the core judicial reforms.

It is pertinent to note that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman indicated in a recent statement that if a reform package on judicial matters is presented, it will be carefully considered.

Sources indicate that the government is keeping its cards close to its chest. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has discussed the package with a tight circle, including senior PPP leadership, but the rest of the coalition has yet to receive a full briefing.

It appears that the government is preparing to throw this package into the National Assembly with little prior information, ensuring the element of surprise.

If passed, the reforms could mark a seismic shift in the country's judiciary, shaking up long-established procedures and leaving a lasting impact on how the judicial and executive branches interact.

The government took an unusual step on Friday as it summoned sessions of both the National Assembly and Senate on a holiday – Saturday (today). The hurriedly-called session has given further rise to speculations that the ruling alliance might introduce judicial reforms or constitutional amendments.

On one hand, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reportedly asserted that the government is all set to table a 'constitutional amendment' in the assembly on Saturday as it has achieved the 'magic number'. On the other, Federal Minister for Law and Justice (Retd) Azam Nazir Tarar reportedly denied that the government is likely to go for any constitutional changes.

Despite the contradictory statements, the notion is that the government is likely to make some constitutional changes, such as increasing the retirement age of judges. Such a move can lead to an extension in the tenure of incumbent chief justice of Pakistan (CJP).

CJP Qazi Faez Isa is set to retire on October 25, 2024, upon reaching the age of superannuation – 65 years. However, Islamabad is abuzz with rumours that the government is considering extending his tenure by raising the retirement age for Supreme Court judges.