PTI lawyers protest outside Supreme Court, raise slogans against CJP

Speaking to the media, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar called the protest a defence of judicial integrity.

A group of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers staged a protest outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday, raising slogans against Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

The demonstration was organised on the instructions of PTI's founding chairman, Imran Khan, and was aimed at voicing dissatisfaction with the judiciary.

The protest created significant disruptions in the city, with the Red Zone sealed off and containers placed on major roads leading to long traffic queues, particularly on the Express Highway.

Many commuters, including office workers and students, were stuck in the resulting traffic jam.

PTI lawyers managed to bypass the barriers and gather outside the Supreme Court, where they were met with a heavy police presence. The lawyers carried a symbolic effigy of Chief Justice Isa and chanted slogans criticising the judiciary's recent actions.

Speaking to the media, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, a prominent PTI lawyer, called the protest a defence of judicial integrity.

"The Supreme Court is responsible for protecting the rights of the people. Whenever there has been an attempt to divide the judiciary, lawyers have come forward," Gohar said. He also criticised the government's handling of the protest, remarking that the country had become a “container-land” due to the excessive road blockages.

The protest marks the latest in a series of demonstrations by PTI lawyers, who have expressed concerns about constitutional amendments and judicial reforms currently under consideration.

PTI lawyer threatens Supreme Court during Article 63A hearing

Tensions flared in the Supreme Court during a hearing on the interpretation of Article 63-A, when a lawyer representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) threatened the five-member larger bench.

The incident occurred when PTI’s counsel, Tayyab Mustafain Kazmi, told the court that 500 PTI lawyers were standing outside, ready to prevent any ruling against the party.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, presiding over the bench, swiftly responded by calling for police to maintain order.

He firmly rejected the attempt to intimidate the court, stating, “Do you want institutions to be run through threats? My only fault is that I have always shown patience.”

The hearing, which was part of the review petition on the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 63A, saw heightened emotions as Kazmi criticised the bench's legality and issued strong remarks against the judiciary.

Chief Justice Isa remained resolute despite his warnings, asserting that the court would not tolerate threats or disrespect.

“You cannot run the courts through intimidation. We will continue with the proceedings, no matter how much opposition we face,” the Chief Justice added, signalling that the judiciary would uphold its independence.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, also part of the bench, expressed concern over the growing trend of targeting judges when decisions do not favour specific parties.

“This behaviour is unacceptable. We are here for the integrity of the institution, not for money or power. The judiciary must remain independent,” he said.

Kazmi's outburst led to a temporary adjournment, and he eventually left the courtroom, refusing to continue his arguments.

Chief Justice Isa, in response, remarked that such incidents only undermine the judiciary’s role and expressed disappointment in the disrespect shown towards the bench.

The five-member bench, which includes Justices Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Mazhar Alam Miankhel, continued to hear the case after the disruption.

The Article 63-A review petition, filed by PTI, questions lawmakers' disqualification for defying party directives during voting.

The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for party discipline and political dynamics in Pakistan.