Justice Shah's words 'fall short of judicial dignity'

LAHORE:

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs and PML-N stalwart Rana Sanaullah has criticised Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah's recent letter, claiming it undermined the decorum expected of his office.

"The language used in the letter falls short of judicial dignity," he asserted, quipping, "It would have been wiser for Justice Shah to have opted for Umrah instead".

In a news conference at Model Town, Sanaullah expressed concern over what he termed divisive language among judiciary members, describing the exchanges as "regrettable" and "resembling street brawls".

He praised the appointment of Justice Yahya Afridi as chief justice, pointing out his independence from judicial group politics amid a tense environment.

He expressed optimism, stating, "Justice Afridi is well-placed to mediate the fractures within the judiciary". "Without cooperation among the judiciary, government, and political entities, no meaningful progress can be achieved for Pakistan."

The PML-N leader also commented on Pakistan's economic turmoil, tracing its origins to a 2017 "judicial conspiracy" led by former chief justice Saqib Nisar, who allegedly acted outside the law to oust an elected prime minister.

He alleged that both the judiciary and establishment played pivotal roles in destabilising a flourishing Pakistan, which then teetered on the brink of economic collapse.