Tahirul Qadri speaking to the media outside Supreme Court on Tuesday. PHOTO: ONLINE/ FILE
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chief Tahirul Qadri for reconstitution of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday, reported Express News.
In its short order, the three-member bench maintained that Qadri failed in proving the eligibility of his petition. The court also stated that Qadri cannot run for elections.
During the hearing, the bench questioned Qadri’s loyalty under Queen Elizabeth’s oath. To this, Qadri addressed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry saying that if the CJ’s loyalty cannot be termed suspicious for his PCO oath, then his oath under Queen Elizabeth cannot be questioned either.
The chief justice remarked that Qadri should know that former dictator Pervez Musharraf was the president in 2005 and every chief justice takes oath under the president.
Irked by Qadri’s response, the bench warned him that the hearing of his petition will be adjourned indefinitely if he addresses the bench in such a manner. Qadri was then requested to step down from the rostrum.
The bench then questioned the attorney general regarding the eligibility of Qadri’s petition. The attorney general advised the bench to focus on the petition instead of his character.
The lawyer, representing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), told the bench that Qadri had called for delaying the elections for two years during his rally in Lahore on December 23.
When Qadri denied giving any such statement, the court ordered for the recording of his Lahore rally to be presented to the court.
‘Petition not heard’
Qadri complained that the apex court kept questioning him about his dual nationality for three days of the hearing rather than focusing on the main petition. He was speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court.
“This is on record. There was no hearing held for the appointment of ECP members. The court should have called the parliamentary committee members and asked for the minutes of their meeting. All of this would have proved that the constitution of the election commission was unconstitutional,” Qadri said while explaining his petition.
“With due respect to the judiciary, I want to tell the people the truth. They did not even let me read out a single word from my petition. When I started reading it out yesterday, they did not listen to me and asked me about my dual nationality instead,” he added.
Qadri also said that he became furious when the court attacked all dual nationals. “There are millions of Pakistanis who are loyal to Pakistan and are dual nationals. They add billions of rupees to Pakistan’s economy... Their loyalty was questioned.”
COMMENTS (141)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Axed Pakistani:
your point is correct...
@Hassaan Naeem:
you cannot take the right to raise your voice against the system. DUAL NATIONALS are Pakistani nationals...Till one has right to vote, he has the right to raise his voice against the system. Thats called a Democracy......if one can vote so can he also file a petition.
Otherwise CJ should have the guts to cancel the Dual nationality in Pakistan and take their right to vote......and shoudl also say BYE BYE to the foreign exchange which Dual nationals bring to the country......
@LIAQAT ALI: Stick to the point ....why are you judging under your own vision.
Qadri moral character is one issue. But the verdict makes no sense at all.....Pakistan allows dual national. Dual nationals are Pakistani nationals and have the right to speak out.
If Pakistan wants to end that than it has to end the dual nationality and should no loger recognize it...e.g In Germany one can have only one nationality........
In this case oversea Pakistanis will have Card of Origin and wont be allowed to vote.....
In the present system dual nationals have this right....and CJ cannot take it away....you want justice than stick to the law rather than taking sides...which was always a problem in Pakistan....
@Muslim Leaguer: not a qadri fan..but your point is illogical. Dual nationality means a person is a national of two countries and is allowed to vote in both the countries. This gives the person the right to file a petition. Almost year ago Dual nationals were allowed to take position as MNA's etc. Now suddenly dual nationals are no more pakistanis!!!!! The limit for dual nationals is that they cannot become the member of cabnet any more in Pakistan under the new setup.
If Pakistan wants than it can cancel the dual nationality and let its cititzen have only one nationality e.g in Germany you can be national of Germany or your home country. They dont recognize dual nationality. What you cant do is that you say one is a dual national but limit his right to raise voice....thats not allowed under our constitution.....
@Anserali Khan:
if you see with with a neutral eye...the guy has a point...
@Clear Black Bag:
not a qadri fan..but your point is illogical. Dual nationality means a person is a national of two countries and is allowed to vote in both the countries. This gives the person the right to file a petition. The limit for dual nationals is that they cannot become the member of cabnet any more in Pakistan.
If Pakistan wants than it can cancel the dual nationality and let its cititzen have only one nationality e.g in Germany you can be national of Germany or your home country. They dont recognize dual nationality. What you cant do is that you say one is a dual national but limit his right to raise voice....thats not allowed under our constitution.....
A drama produced,directed and played by Tahir-ul-Qadri has badly badly badly flopped and ended.Thanks Supreme Court and Chief Justice of Pakistan.......
I wonder what will happen to this country when its Supreme Court starts giving its observations and opinions as its rulings :/
@ Abdur Rehman:
Thanks for your reply!
I'm not a legal expert but still I can quote something for you:
Article 19 of constitution gives every person "right to freedom of speech and expression...." hence a common citizen can't be forbidden showing his "concern" when his right is infringed and after all he is just showing concern NOT picking the gun and shooting them all dead and further,
Article 10A gives every person "right to fair trial" for the determination of his civil rights....and it is evident that trial and determination of rights only take place in a situation where someone has "shown concern" over infringement of his rights otherwise normally such trial doesn't execute.....and this fair trial has NOT been conducted in the case of TuQ in view of Aitzaz Ahsan, S.M. Zafar, Barr. Firogh Naseem, Dr. Khalid Ranjha, Aasma Jehangir etc etc........!!
And I would like if you may also quote something from constitution to support that a common citizen doesn't have "right to show concern".....!!
Regards my brother,
@Qasim: agreed at the common sensical level. but the definition of "basic rights" according to the constitution is limited and does not include "right to show concern". Otherwise every one can approach supreme court regarding any issue to show concern. It wud be better that Dr. TUQ had made this petition on behalf of any Pakistani who can contest election. But the complex of Dr. TUQ that he is "over smart" and can outperform anyone, and his reaction to SC decision caused this issue.
An absolutely irrational act...fuel added to fire by disrespecting TuQ on no solid grounds....people were already fed up of the status quo and blindly following every force against the status quo and now they will come even in more rage...lets see what TuQ says to crowd in Gujranwala on 15 Feb i.e. Tomorrow....
@Axed Pakistani: Good logic. what if he goes to Pak and is robbed. Being Dual nationality holder he will not get any justice. Its like saying you show me the man, I will show you the rules.
@NASIR AWAN: Very well said!
CJ is of the opinion that he is the ultimate . Now it high time for other judges of SC to establish the suprimacy of the existing constitution though Qadry and others will change it when people will give them mandate to do so .
If CJ can question pakistani who lived all his life in pakistan and became canadian national for past 5 years and he doesn't have even a right to speak or ask for justice then what rights do I have as I've been living in US for over 28 years now? Thanks for making me realize that I'm not Pakistani and God forbid if I come to Pakistan, I would not get any justice. I'll rather give my charity money to local welfare institution then sending it to pakistani hospitals and social welfare institutions.In past 28 years God know who much I have sent to the un-thankful country.
TUQ made a valid point as Honorable CJ's position is worse than TUQ as far as oath is concerned. CJ took oath under PCO which is a crime defined in constitution whereas holding dual nationality is not a crime at all under the constitution. TUQ's petition could be rejected without challenging his loyalty to Pakistan.
I had a good opinion of CJ till the deciion against Quadri who was trying to get a fair election commision. The present EC will and can not change the corrupt system of Pakistani politics. Both the majority parties MLN and PPP are most corrupt. Quadri wanted to save Pakistan from corrupt politians which CJ dismissed. We overseas Pakistanis got a very bad massage by CJ by questioning the loyality of dual nationalty holders who are sending more than 12 billions dollars yearly from their hard earned money. Overseas Pakistani will think twice before sending money. CJ should listen to the points raised by Quadri instead of arguing 3 days on dual nationallity.
This is HILARIOUS. The same person who almost a month chanted 'Zinda Bad Sc Zinda Bad SC' is accusing the SAME SC of not listening to him .. What is happening here :|????
Just for the information of all the readers and Mr Qadri china does not allow dual nationality. I think Pakistan should follow same policy.
@Ghullam Mujtaba:
SC cannot force Qadri to do anything that is not illegal under the law! This is not Punjabi village panchayata where Chaudhary's personal opinion matters. Everything in SC musts be done under constitution and under constitution all Pakistanis have rights whether they hold another nationality or not.
@Ismaeel , you are correct , let them try to go against the wave , the international wave will ultimatly sweep the game .
What if a person with ONLY PAKISTANI NATIONALITY submits a similiar petition?
Amidst all the fuss created by Qadri, the dual nationals have been criticed too. Being a dual national or a Canadian National is NOT un-ethical in anyway and Pak's law doesn't forbid Pakistanis from holding another country's nationality.
The TRUTH is Most Pakistanis would be DYING to get Canadian nationality! BUT they never even imagine "loyalty to the Queen" in their minds!!
Qadri sahab ko supreme court ki respect kertay huway dual nationality say quit kerjana chaheay or phir daikhtay hain kon in ki petition ko nahi sunta.
The SC of Pakistan has erred on three accounts-
Why was the petition admitted by the court in the first place that could have been dismissed on the grounds stated later ?
Once the petition had been admitted by the honorable court, the same should have been discussed clause wise on its merits and dismissed or accepted accordingly. But questioning the loyalty of Dr Qadri and humiliating him in public on such filmsy grounds was unwarranted which has only lowered the stature of the highest court of the country.
Any such utterance made in the court and brought on record has grave national and international implications and this one has made all non-resident Pakistanis as suspects of their loyalty to the country of their own origin. Normally, any country treats its non-residents with respect and consider them as its assets and ambassadors of good-will but SC has done just the opposite which is bound to lower their morale.CJ we are proud of you to put Qadri in his place. He has been treated with kid gloves by Zardari tola. Why?
where do you live and what do you know about social security benefits?
Salute to the supreme court for saving the country from this crook Qadri whose main goal was to derail the election and save the present regime from Hugh defeat in the coming elections the way PPP played the game by opposing him yet supporting him with the entire government machinery and with their allies was a classic example of cunningness only if they had spent their efforts and mind on solving the country’s problems we will be in much better place I think our arch enemy would not be able to damage Pakistan what the present regime did in five years just because they resorted to loot the already looted country. May Allah SWT forgive our sins and give us honest leadership. AMEEN
May I know if the decision would be different if a "Pakistani" would file this case. In all fairness the court did not deal with the subject but dealt with personality.It is clear that this is a political decision rather than a just one.The court should have seen what he is saying rather who is saying.I guess a big mistake by the court.
It is not possible for a person who has fled Pakistan and sought political asylum in Canada to return back to Pakistan so boldly and challenge the institutions of Pakistan. The deep state was trying to take over the country again and CJ provided the helping hand to share power. All political parties knew it and so everyone went along, rather unwillingly, and signed the so called agreement with Qadri. Later the Establishment must have realized that it would be impossible to run the country that is in such a horrible financial situation. All monies have been looted in the pretext of one scheme or other, be it BB income support, rental power, solar power, laptop, metro bus, discretionary spending, or whatever it is. All politicians have parked their wealth abroad and are ready to board the next flight out. The only exception is IK. With IMF loans not forthcoming and funds from US drying up, compounded with problems of closure of so many factories, power shortage and no tax revenue, no one is really willing to form the next government, unless they get another chance to loot whatever is left. Political parties are not looking to be in power for the next 5 years but at the most for one year. Establishment has been repeatedly considering, then dropping and again reconsidering to seize power. They promoted IK, then DPC then Qadri. As soon as they withdraw their support each of them has collapsed immediately.
SC repeated the same words of Mr Nawaz sharif that his intentions are not correct.
One thing for sure Pakistani populace is very emotional. One day all for CJ & other day mocking it. I am vivid reader of ET from last couple of years. I respect their emotion but they should put some analysis into every news bcz it will effect them not any body else.
A man who took an oath in Canada for which he is being investigated by the Canadian police has the audacity to question the chief justice of Pakistan. The man has defrauded the Canadian tax system for years collecting over 1500 dollars a month in welfare and saying he an not walk and is unable to work and does not have money to take care of his family. A man who lies under oath and provides an unjust means of living to his fully is going to be just to an entire nation. The man is a liar and an orator who uses his lies to get what he wants. Just because the pied piper can play a pretty song does not mean an entire nation should follow him into the sea. He is the epitome of corruption“Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly. Let it cut you more deep. Let it ferment and season you as few humans and even divine ingredients can. Something missing in my heart tonight has made my eyes so soft, my voice so tender, my need for God absolutely clear. The only thing Mr. Wafting is working on is the concept of redefining Dual nationality as something that gives him the right to fraudulently abuse two nations.
Dual nationality was to be questioned for Qadri's elegibility for participating in the elections. I think SC must have given him room on this and have heard his point. No doubt Qadri is talking sense. We still have time to mend the corners and build a better Pakistan.
Seems like this is setting the stage for the army to takeover for the next 5-10 years. I feel the judiciary will be replaced through public referendum as well......
Qadri got what he deserved a man who is ashamed of his being a Pakistani as said by himself has no business in Pakistan let alone challenging a constitutional office and conspiring at the behest of his foreign masters dual nationals like him always make a mess of things wherever they are. And for those dual nationals who don't want to send their money to Pakistan they should keep their money with them but they will not because they know very well that they will be heavily taxed in foreign lands and by sending money to Pakistan which they invest here they get good returns so as they don't do charity they better not boost about it dual nationals like Qadri keep their Pakistani passports only because they don't want to pay visa fee which they will have to if they don't have a Pakistani passport
ILLEGALITY IS THE HALLMARK OF QADRI.SECONDLY THE JUDGE HAD TAKEN A NEW OATH WHEN REINSTATED DOES QADRI OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE QUEEN OR WITH PAKISTAN.
Who says the "doctrine of nescessity" is dead and buried. It is alive and kicking in the Shariff Court, taking instructions from its so called saviours
With all due respect to the judiciary, what kind of hearing was that? Does the CJ means that all the dual nationals are any less patriotic? I mean, i live abroad, i and many of my colleagues always follow the news and hope for a better output in this election. Our families are in pakistan, our culture is pakistan, our land, language and everything is pakistan. Questioning the patriotism of Overseas pakistanis is just plain dumb by CJ. This does not make sense at all to me.
I am not a supporter of Qadri either but he certainly have the right to file a petition and be heard like NON dual national.
This is freaking dumb by the supreme court.
After this decision overseas pakistanis wouldn't be able to put question mark at corrupt politicians and system because those are not loyal to Pakistan.GEO Dictator-ism
@ Abdur Rahman:
If right of TUQ has not been infringed as he can't contest elections due to dual nationality THEN his basic right has been infringed as a "VOTER" because he can vote in elections while remaining dual citizen and being a voter,including TUQ,you and me, every one has the right to show the concern over the UNCONSTITUTIONAL formation of ECP under whom we,THE VOTERS, have to go into elections (which will also now become UNCONSTITUTIONAL elections when they will be monitored by UNCONSTITUTIONAL ECP....)
A good decision by supreme court to dismiss Qadri's petition as Qadri is here on someone else agenda.
Why there is so much anger in "dual nationals" about this issue? No one has taken dual nationality to benefit Pakistan. Its in their own benefit. And they are sending money to their own Families in Pakistan. Whats so "extra-ordinary" about it?
@Sarmad Hassan: great!
Qadri is right, who needs this election commission when we have the CJP on the controls.Save money, promote white collar rigging.
Qadri is a legal voter and as a voter all of has the right to object if we think our vote will not be used fairly. Supreme court has no right to take this right from us. A shameful act from supreme court. I do not agree with Qadri policies but this is his right and no one in pakistan is allowed to take this right from him.
Pakistan now seems to be a sinkig ship and that is why most of it's people and politician are having duel nationality as an option for the hour of need . These duel nationals have saved it so far and have taken the last step by sending Qadry to repaire the ship . This man will go back only after fulfilling the set mission . He has potential and a big force of duel nationals to realise it . Now CJ has opened a new front for him .
Arslan iftikhar case has proven to be the biggest coverup of this CJ. Closely followed up by coverup of Mian bradaran's cases.
To my understanding, dual nationality vis-a-vis contesting the elections and filing a petition before the Court as Qadri Shb did, are two different things. It is the Supreme Court's decision that dual nationals cannot hold Parliament's membership and thus cannot contest elections. This decision is based on the SC's interepretation of the relevant provisions of the Constitution. We should not mix the dual nationality issue with the loyalty of dual national Pakistanis with Pakistan. The point raised by the SC (as per my understanding) is that once you become a dual national, you looses your right to contest elections in Pakistan (as per the Constitution) and once you looses that right, you cannot object to the entire process of elections as well as the constitution of Election Commission being not the affected party. The SC has not cast any doubt on the love, affection and loyalty, the dual national Pakistanis have for Pakistan neither we can do that. If there is some issue with the Constitution, it needs to be amended. And we must be mindful, after the SC decision on dual nationality issue of MPs, the Govt tried to bring some bill amending the Constitution but it did not materilize. So the law of the land is clear, as far as the issue is concerned.
Qadri's foreign and home sponsors were grossly mistaken. They hoped that SC and army would support thim in their neferious designs to subotage the democacy and forthcoming elections in the country. Both the institutions stood by the nation and foiled their sinister designs. While showing the picture of CJ taking oath before Mushraff, Qadri must have remembered that in 2002 he himself had taken oath under the PCO of Mushraff as member of National Assembly. CJ's oath of 2005 was under the consitution of 1973 and not under PCO. Attorney General's argument in the support of Qadri leaves no doubt that PPP andQ league are the home sponsor of Qadri to delay the elections. Qadri sb should also tell the nation, how much he has added to pakistan' economy by holding dual nationality. Pakistan's living abroad should not have ill feelings.The entire nation respects their loyalty and contribution to the state. However, qadri's designs and motives are well understood even by the common man. How honorable judges of SC could not understand it. They very rightly foiled his attempts to delay the election and disrupt the democratic process in the country.
@Something Clever: coz one can appeal directly to the apex court only if his / her basic rights are violated. otherwise one has to follow the proper channels (of coming thru lower courts). If Dr. Qadri cant prove that his basic rights are violated, his appeal cant be entertained. This is the point where his dual nationality becomes relevant. if he is not eligible to contest elections, than the formation of EC will not affect him in any way and thus his rights are not violated. this is a legal and technical point, but people r politicizing it.
Yasir Naqvi became a state minister in Canada despite having dual nationality (canada and pak). nobody objected in canada.
Qadri want to go to Jail for few days. To become top Political Leader lets see wether he might be succeded or not
Now SCP should move forward and get this man arrested for court attempt and making mockery of Pakistani nation's collective conscience.
@Sarmad Hassan:
coz one can appeal directly to the apex court only if his / her basic rights are violated. otherwise one has to follow the proper channels (of coming thru lower courts). If Dr. Qadri cant prove that his basic rights are violated, his appeal cant be entertained. This is the point where his dual nationality becomes relevant. if he is not eligible to contest elections, than the formation of EC will not affect him in any way and thus his rights are not violated. this is a legal and technical point, but people r politicizing it.
All the actors in this sordid drama have sold themselves at some stage in their careers and lives to suit the occasion. The judges took the oath under Musharaf and Qadri des[ite his hordes of followers in Pakistan preferred greener pastures for himself and his family and divided his loyalty. So its a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Why should this SC decision not become a reference for dual national Pakistanis in other countries - will it not be termed as ' double jeopardy'. It also sets the ball rolling and precedence for lower Pakistani courts to stretch the law and misuse this ruling to restrict the citizen rights of other dual national Pakistani in their motherland. Yes use their overseas earnings but restrict their rights.
It is bad to question irrelevant questions specially judges because Qadri's can be dismissed on technical issues than on his dual nationality because Constitution of Pakistan doesn't forbade dual nationality. When Qadri questioned oath of CJ from Mushraf than demonstrating objectivity and high moral ground CJ should have separated himself from the bench and let other judges to hear the petition. CJ has dismissed the petition by being personal with the petitioner which can not be expected from a judge who is supposed to dispense justice.
Why petition was not heard. Hearing didn't go beyond dual nationality. which is bad. No one had filed petition against Qadri's dual nationality. It is sorry state of justice in Pakistan........
The petition has been dismissed because the petitioner failed to prove his bonafide (how his rights have been subjugated by ECP). Since the drama Qadri failed to prove bonafide in Court he is twisting the reason! Unfortunately, the "hidden hand" is still supporting him in malicious propaganda against independent judiciary.
There are serious flaws in the Judicial system which allowed criminals to hold top public office. Why CJ did not take suuo motto to ensure justice?
@polpot: Not so funny and your comment has not belittled TUQ but--------
Let these corrupt politician rule us for another five years, say united opposition parties, media and now CJ.
Ironically, there has been "NO" opposition against corrupt practices, energy crisis, law&order situation and what not.... Still, we'd be supporting people responsible for this.. I am getting reading for more sufferings ahead, if "majority" of us continue to support looters, killers, suppressors and what not...
@polpot:
May be not but if you had taken the Musharraf PCO oath you could still be a judge at SC.
CJP said "Musharraf was the president in 2005" well when Dogar took the oath in 2007, Musharraf was still the president from which Dogar took oath..... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aray sahab.. if TuQ's dual nationality is being brought up..then file the same petition by a 'true' pakistani first thing tomorrow.. simple :)
TUQ seems to be working on other's agenda and trying his best to undermine the supreme court doesn't look good on him. it has done more bad then good for him. TUQ seems to lost it when right question are placed to him which was evident in his interview by Talat Hussain.
CJ in action. CJ is supporting the corrupt system.
Man has got what he deserved, Good decision by CJ
CJ has today lost the moral high ground through this verdict. It will be very difficult for anyone to take the CJ seriously. He should resign if the SC is to have any respect in the eyes of the people of Pakistan. Basically the pressure has taken a toll on his senses.
Qadri surely has very strong backing! I can sense that elections would be postponed.
CJ and Company; this decision will hunt you as you just got carried away with your arrogance.
Just a waste of time by SC not focusing on the petition itself and asking such questions about TUQ dual nationality which they should have considered before accepting the petition for hearing.And also a VERY VERY SAD precedent settled by this decision is that millions of Pakistanis who live in abroad and have taken other nationalities but are as loyal and as Economically and socially important to Pakistan as any other Pakistani living in Pakistan can be, their right to approach SC of Pakistan in case of any problem they have has been questioned very very seriously (if not infringed yet).........What message this decision has sent to those "Un-loyal and Fake Pakistanis"(as per interpretation of honourable CJ & Co. of SC of Pakistan.....)???????
Excellent ............... The petition be damned. Shoot the petitioner.
Qadri has no locus standing and has not even been living in Pakistan, other than collecting funds from his well wishers. He had a malafide which was very clearly evident and to which he had implied when he said in his speech that elections can be delayed to accomplish his desire to reconstitute the ECP. The SC of Pakistan has stood up and protected the constitution, democracy and rule of law in this country.
Obviously the CJ knows little about the law. Even a layman understands that Court's deal with facts and law, not on personalities. It does not matter who files a petition under the law. It is not illegal for anyone to do so. Therefore Pakistan Judiciary has gone an a limp regarding governing law. In Qadri's case it is the Constitution of Pakistan. One is not going to go to England to enforce Pakistani law.
I think S.C should hear the petition of Mr.Qadari rather questioning over his dual nationality, if he is pointing out any flaws then SC should consider that, dual nationality is the secondary issues. If you want to prove him wrong prove on legal grounds of its petition not charging on his personality.
Grapes are sour!!!
@CJ Rocks:
Why should he? He is still Pakistani citizen, regardless, according to Pakistani constitution. CJ should also try to go by the constitution.
CJ & all judjes should not involve in Politics. We must follow the Quran & Hadees . CJ Sallary is very high and he can not understand the basic problem of People of Pakistan. He must remember the real Judjement day.
Anyone who can't differenciate btween oath to queen and oath to mushy really is blinded by hate of SC. They actually show they are the elites who doesn't want Pak progress.
Qadry has done his job , now any order issued by the CJ will remain invalid till the issue of appointment of CJ will remain undecided .
we should feel shame as nation that why we give importance to such a Guy .
SC, seriously... on these grounds.... you' are kidding!
No news from Pakistan surprises me anymore. SC is fast catching up with the rest.
CJ; you could come to this level... amazing Pakistan.
Assume for a moment SC is right in discarding the plea based on TuQ's credential. Now that the issue of ECP is in open and there are genuine question marks about its composition, I would strongly urge the CJ to take suo moto action on constitution of ECP and see whether it is constitutionally correct or not? Afterall, in last 18 months SC has been kind enough to take suo moto actions on NAB employees death, RPP, Arsalan Iftikhar case, Memogate and Swiss case that all have been amicably resolved or will get resolved in future, so why not ECP? It should be pointed out that ECP issue has to be put to bed so that no one can challenge the 'transparency' and 'authenticity' of 2013 elections and we do not end up in a situation like we had in 1977.
only agenda of TUQ is chaos
Allah bless Pakistan. Allah bless Chief Justice.
Overseas Pakistanis and dual nationals remit more than $15 billion every year to Pakistan which is more than half of total Pakistan's export. Our foreign policy is dictated by people who are not Pakistanis, our economic policies is formalised by institutions which are not Pakistanis. Our nation idolise Indian and Hollywood actors and actresses. We prefer buying stuff which is not made in Pakistan. When there are so many willed interventions from other countries, I fail to understand that if a person who is still a Pakistani and wants to bring a question of law in court, why that question was not discussed and mere dual nationality and Queen's oath was being centre staged?
I'm not a Qadri fan but, I actually went and looked it up just to be sure. The only restrictions he should have are. Can't run for public office Can't sit in the assemblies Can't contest elections Can't join the Pakistani military ...and that's it.
I don't know which things or when but I think I've heard the courts make statements saying something along the lines of the law is the law and they're restricted by it whether they like it or not and that's why there are low conviction rates due to lack of, or flawed, evidence. Apparently it's a matter of convenience, though. They may not like a dual national doing what Qadri is doing and use the oath as their reasoning but, whether they like it or not, they are supposed to treat his petition exactly the same as they would for someone who isn't a dual national. That used to be restricted but amendments were made. Though technically during that time it also said getting citizenship in another country invalidated the Pakistani citizenship completely. Either the SC has a very selective memory or they don't even keep up with the very laws their job is supposed to revolve around.
All ex-pat Pakistanis should stop sending their remittances to Pakistan. This ought to bring down the Govt within 2 months. Then the CJ can rule about dual-nationals etc.,
Ufff this Quadri refuses to disintegrate/ disembark / disappear / degenerate.
Learned Redaers: Whats TUQ's cap called? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Where can I buy one and how much does it cost? Will I also get Canadian citizenship along with the cap? Shukran Zajeelan.
The Court neither did Justice to appeal nor to appellant but was carried by rage. Restraint is the first quality of fair Judge.
S.C is not sure about his sincererity ,because tahir has been trying to postpone the elections....!!!!!!!! tahir should keep his busuness!!!!!
CJ should be tried for violating Pakistani law and constitution or is he above the law?
Qadri may be technically correct but he lost out on moral grounds.
CJ Rocks ... why not TuQ leave his dual nationality. he is not eligible to participate in Pakistani election, so how he criticize the election commission.
Another sad day in the history of Pakistan's Judiciary... CJ & Co got "lost in translation"...!
why didnt qadri added some pakistani worker of his party in the petition like a covering candidate of elections. may he didnt want to share the lime light.
As much as I dislike Qadri for trying to disrupt the democratic process, but you gotta hand it to him for questioning CJ. Shahbash maulvi sb! :D
valid point by qadri....now CJP will issue contempt notice
The court did not do justice to the petition and the petitioner.
Cant the court see so many dual nationals sitting in parliament , CJ got what he deserved for humiliating an honorable man for three days instead of listing to his original case CJ. has lost my respect after today !!
The last oath Chaudhary took was on Musharraf's PCO which makes Chaudhary’s position very questionable and all his decisions so far could be considered null and void according to constitution.
Self centered judiciary. it thinks that everyone else except themselves are the only clean people who have not and do not do any thing wrong.
After getting disgraced by SC, its shame that our religious leader started making cheap comments. Funny how he made victory signs after getting insulted.
Ultimately he has started speaking the language of those who planted him. Similar, propaganda was earlier made against the CJ during runaway dictator Musharraf's dictatorship. He should not only be charged under contempt of Court but also under articles-5 & 6 for High Treason to close the door for similar conspiracies in future!
Wish he could be made to pay for wasting court's time .. And wasting this nation's time .. Time to go back Mr. Tahir, this nation has given its verdict, you are not needed.
Well said Mr. Qadri.
Chaudary is still holding the oath on Musharraf's PCO, he has not re-taken oath on constitution, so how is his own position valid?
Good question raised by Dr Qadri, why CJ took oath as PCO judge? Still he is a loyal and pious but all others are guilty. Before raising question about other;s character CJ should look into his character also, Musharraf was army chief also at that time.
Pakistan moves one step farther away from the Army's iron lock on our throats for more than half a century
TUQ*
time to stick those two victory finger up where the sun don't shine TMQ.
The point raised by DR Tuq is strong that CJ is also took oath from Former President Gen Parvez Musharraf and also one thing more DR TUQ can hold dual nationality because He is not taking part in Election Campaign, Also CJ forget about Raymond Devis, DR Afia, Karachi un rest situation, PM Raja Parvez Ashraf arrest warrant, Kamran Faisal mystery, Dollar 100rs, Petrol 100rs, Cng illegal shutdown in Karachi and many more...
So get ready for a dharna against Unconstitutional Supreme court :P
Qadri is absolutely correct. Taking oath on PCO is a serious crime under Pakistani constitution. Taking a second citizenship is not even a crime under Pakistani constitution.
Qadri sada shair aye! baki hair phair aye!!
A good point raised by Qadri, the court should listen to what he is saying, not who is saying. If Qadri moves the petition by an ordinary petitioner, the court will not even look at it. All forces are joined to single out Qadri now, which I, being supporter of Chaudhri Shujaat find very annoying.
At the very least this man has courage and lots of it. What he is saying is not totally out of line.
Bravo! Tit for tat and why NOT? Nothing is and can be so sacred that can not be questioned. Qadri's oath is a pledge to uphold democracy and its vales, how about an oath, like PCO, of allegiance to a dictator ?
13th may, 2012: Tahir ul Qadri from Toronto, I swear in the name of Queen that I am loyal to Pakistan and i was not backed by anti democratic forces. This PCO driven CJ and other so called democratic forces will not lead pakistan to anywhere. (In the meanwhile, a pigeon flies off his cap)
A valid question asked by Tahir ul Qadri. Why are the PCO judges irked?
Well...he has a point there. They cant have double standards. They hard the memogate case from a dual national who has not even come to Pakistan. And now they have a problem with TuQ being a dual national? Also, a dual national is an eligible voter and as an eligibile voter he has a consitutional right to submit a petition in supreme court. I dont agree with TuQ's theories or actions but over here Supreme Court needs to be fair.
I am a strong supporter of CJ and judiciary and want the election commission to work and elections on time but seriously, why the court is acting like a 5 year old kid during hearing of this case ? If Qadri or anybody comes with an application or petition or whatever, check it on the grounds of constitution and legality and dismiss it, as simple as that.. Why you have to go "which passport you have", "read us your oath", "why have you suddenly appeared on national stage", what kind of questions are these ? I am a pakistani living abroad, have a right to vote and if I am not happy with the election commission I should be able to file a petition. Yes sure ! dismiss it on legal grounds, I will be happy with that but why on earth the supreme court has to raise questions on my character and my intentions of living abroad. Thats just stupid !
Qadri Rocks, CJ Shocks.
Bitter truth is always biting. Those living in glass houses need not to throw stones on others.
People who stay in glass houses should not play with stones. Qadri sb is totally out of step by disrespecting Judges of Supreme Court
Contempt of court? Blame the Queen.
he is probably right
Well done Qadri!!! The PCO judges should not be questioning anyone's loyalty. The should adjudicate the law, from which they have been running all their lives.
Excellent point. Chaudhary just met his match.
Biased court! Threatening the petitioner when it did not have a reasonable or logical answer to his questions!
Damage control by Qadri. Risky but smart move
This one man (Tahir-ul-Qadri) Canadian nationality holder has challenged and disturbed the whole judiciary and election commissions' systems and how shamefully our leaders are affording and bearing him.If he is true,sincere and honest with Pakistan then first why doesn't cancel/quit Canadian nationality and take oath as a true Pakistani only?????
From this on Monday
A. At the outset of the hearing, Qadri, who got the opportunity to address the court after waiting for hours, told the judges that since it was his first appearance before “this august” court, he wanted to express his feelings about “your great struggle for independence.”
http://tribune.com.pk/story/506099/justice-is-blind-sc-turns-tables-on-qadri-with-help-of-the-queen/
To this on Wednesday
B. Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chief Tahirul Qadri questioned Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry about his loyalty under former dictator Pervez Musharraf’s PCO oath, reported Express News on Wednesday.
What a remarkable turnaround.
TUQ You have a valid argument too!
A very legitimate question regarding CJ's loyalty after oath under Musharraf's PCO by DR. Qadri. However, he must know that CJ is the king of the jungle and possibly above the law . That's why he threatened the hearing adjournment for indefinite period.
A guy who got Canadian passport & gets social security benefits from Canadian Gov, questioning the Loyalty of the sitting CJ of another Country "Pakistan"... how ironic.... LOL
Tahir ul Qadri gave oath to Queen, but Queen did not demolished the constitution of pakistan,however CJ gave oath to someone who demolished it (Musharaf).