Abbasi urges CJ Isa to retire at end of term

Former prime minister and Awam Pakistan Party leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has called for Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to retire after completing his tenure, amidst what he described as political instability and chaos in the country.

Speaking to the media at the Murree Press Club on Wednesday, Abbasi stressed that Pakistan is facing severe political turmoil. "The country is in a state of political instability and unrest. There is no option but to run the country according to the Constitution," he said.

Abbasi criticised the lack of transparency in recent constitutional amendments. "Parliament is unaware of the constitutional amendments being made. Attempts have been made to undermine the Constitution in the dead of night," he remarked, reiterating that Justice Isa should retire after completing his term.

Reflecting on Pakistan's political history, the former premier said, "Every election in Pakistan has been rigged, yet no one has learned any lessons. The people's mandate has also been stolen."

Abbasi went on to comment on the political leadership of both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. "Nawaz Sharif abandoned his 'respect the vote' narrative. Imran Khan came to end corruption, but today, corruption has increased tenfold," he stated.

He further criticised the current government's performance, saying it has failed to gain public support. "The present government has completely failed in securing the backing of the people," Abbasi concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was a close confidant to PML-N president Nawaz Sharif. However, both parted ways after a conflict emerged over promotion of Maryam Nawaz on senior position in the party.

Likewise, former finance minister Miftah Ismael's relations with the party also turned soar when he was criticized by the party leaders over his financial policies. He was forced to resign from the Finance minister's position, and Ishaq Dar was given the charge of the ministry.

Both disgruntled PMLN leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismael later formed a political party named Awam Pakistan Party.