PTI lawyer threatens SC bench amid protest outside

CJ Isa calls police as PTI counsel warns of consequences over article 63-a verdict

ISLAMABAD:

Lawyers belonging to the PTI gathered outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday to protest the formation of a bench hearing the review petition on the court's interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution.

Inside the courtroom, PTI's counsel warned the bench of consequences if an unfavorable ruling was issued. In response, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, leading the bench, called for police intervention, asserting that he would not tolerate any disrespect toward the court.

The PTI lawyers had responded to a protest call from PTI founder Imran Khan. Police had sealed off Islamabad's 'Red Zone' with barricades and containers, but the lawyers managed to breach the barriers and reach the Supreme Court.

The road closures caused major traffic jams in several areas, including the Express Highway. Many commuters, especially students and office workers, faced significant delays and difficulties in reaching their destinations.

A heavy contingent of police was deployed at the Supreme Court, where the lawyers raised slogans against Chief Justice Isa. They also burnt an effigy of the chief justice.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan opposed the formation of the bench for the review petition.

Khan told reporters that the Supreme Court's responsibility was to protect the rights of the people. "Lawyers have come out whenever there has been an attempt to divide the judiciary," he said.

However, despite the noisy protest outside, the hearing of the review petition continued. The case was heard by a five-judge larger bench, also including Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Mandokhail, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel.

During the hearing, PTI's counsel, Tayyab Mustafain Kazmi, threatened the bench, stating that 500 lawyers were protesting outside and that he would see how the bench gave the decision against the PTI. Kazmi warned the bench of dire consequences if the verdict went against his party.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa condemned the threat, asserting, "We will not tolerate insults." He asked the lawyer if he believed the country's institutions should be run through threats and intimidation, emphasizing his patience in the face of such behavior.

The chief justice then asked Kazmi, "How many members of parliament were sent to jail by former chief justice Saqib Nisar?" Kazmi replied that the current bench was not incorrect, adding, "The PTI is the victim in this case."

Angered, the chief justice called for the police. Kazmi, however, provocatively remarked, "What else can the chief justice do except call the police?" At this point, Justice Miankhel intervened, cautioning the lawyer against making political statements in the courtroom. Kazmi then left the courtroom.

The chief justice remarked that now some YouTubers would also go out and there would be comments. "It seems that what happened in the courtroom has served its purpose," he added. Justice Mandokhail remarked that it had become a trend; if you don't like the decision, point fingers at the bench.