A close aide of Iftikhar Chaudhry told The Express Tribune that former top judge has made his mind to sue Khan for dragging him in the controversy without any evidence. “A notice is almost ready to be sent to Imran Khan, “a family member of former chief justice confided to The Express Tribune.
Iftikhar Chaudhry, who retired from in December last year, has decided to establish a think-tank-cum consultancy firm.
During last days of his tenure as top judge, Chaudhry also served a contempt notice to PTI chief for terming the returning officers’ role in the general elections as “sharamnaak”. In the recent past, Imran Khan many times alleged that former chief justice is responsible for rigging in general election 2013. While addressing a rally to mark his party’s 18th Founding Day anniversary the PTI chief said the Chaudhry was involved in match fixing of May 11, 2013. He had also alleged that Iftikhar Chaudhry chaired a meeting of returning officers prior to the elections.
PTI chief had demanded that those who are involved in election rigging should be exposed and put on trial under Article 6 of the Constitution.
Terming Imran Khan’s allegations as baseless, the former chief justice said that a chief justice has nothing to do with general elections. It was Election Commission of Pakistan’s duty to appoint Returning Officers to perform election duties, said Iftikhar Chaudhry. "Leveling the accusations without evidence is not appropriate. Bring proof on this count."
He underlined that correspondence with election commission and returning officers and the record bear testimony that there was no pressure whatsoever from judiciary on election commission.
While addressing a gathering held in the memory of those martyred in Islamabad F-8 Kachehri blast, former top judge said, “I don’t like to comment on anyone’s senseless views,” he said, adding that the 'absurd' allegations hurled by the PTI chief did not warrant a response from him.
COMMENTS (108)
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I don't support Iftikhar Chaudhry and think he has done great harm to the country, first by trying to disqualify Musharraf, and then helping PMLN come into power through rigged elections by standing by. But when will Imran Khan realize he is wrong on so many important decisions? He was wrong for supporting Iftikhar Chaudhry in the lawyers movement, he was wrong for not taking military action against the terrorists, he was wrong for not supporting Tahir Quadri when he foretold elections would be rigged. I seriously question if he is good for Pakistan because he cannot make the right decisions.
IK should apologize to Musharraf. Iftikhar Chaudhry had similar allegations against him and his son during Musharraf's time that resulted in a reference against IC, and IK supported the movement that led to Iftikhar Chaudhry's reinstatement. Now when all those allegations are proven correct and hurting IK he is crying fowl. At minimum an apology to Musharraf is warranted with an acknowledgement that Musharraf's signing of reference against Iftikhar Chaudhry was correct.
Hopefully he doesnt take suo motu now. LOL
@Shakil Khan: Do you know how defamation cases work? The onus will be on Omran to prove not just that rigging took place in some constituencies ( that should be easy) but that it was systematic and across the board and facilitated by the former CJ. The courts do not have to prove anything, Imran has to prove this. Of course a defamation case, if filed, will give Imran the opportunity to present any evidence he has that the CJ was personally responsoble for facilitating across the board rigging in favor of PML-N. incidentally, saying that he did nit take suo moto or that he addressed ROs in a pulic meeting does not count as evidence.
@salim: Addressing ROs in a public meeting amounts to facilitating across the board rigging?
Why at such a time when Imran calls for Tsunami march. The fact is evident that the march will disclose many dark faces of the people. And surely one will be ex-CJ
@Hafiz Shah Ali: It's not loose talk Monsieur. Even Fahru bhai has admitted the fact that SC intervene regularly in their affairs. Moreover, Mr. Ishtiaq ahmad khan once resigned because of SC intervention in EC matter. Anyway, let the time decide the fact.
Only Imran Khan is a clean , corruption free and honorable man in Pakistan and all others are thieves , robbers and morally corrupt in this country.
The Judge should be trialed for reference case
@Shuaib: He does not talk like "street boys" he talks, dresses and behaves like a street "thug"!
He wont do it,because it will expose him...
Wonderful, cj must file suit against Imran khan who hs immature unstable personality and undemocratic behavior.
Why I am not surprised to see, that all PML-N supporters are Iftikhar Chudhry's lovers too?
Those sitting in glass houses shouldn't throw stone at others. Do I need to open history here or talk about Khan's days in UK, which will let us forget even "twitter" boys colorful life. Mr. Khan, stop whining all the time. Unless you can stand up and prove your allegation, please shut up!
So you all forget his infamous son who has contacts with the most clean People Pakistan has even produced. And yes it has to do with CJ!
I dont think so that any free & fair election held in Pakistan. the reason why Ex CJP being blamed for rigging in 2013 election is because last election took place under as ''what we called AZAD ADLIA'' and if Ex CJP thinks that Election Commission is only responsible for election gambling then he is making fun of himself for expressing these kind of stupid sentiments..
@Qandi gul: bro ex-cjp iftikhar ch. sb is from balochistan....plz don't give such comments about any body from any province....plz
well its time for CJP to be held accountable for what he had supervised. IK we are with you to strengthen Democracy in Pakistan, and we do know that all this Status Quo is united against you.
@Ch. Allah Daad: " Did you see Chief Justice of Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif in this picture?"
Off course he was in the picture! Why did he go about addressing RO's? It was not his business too.
Finally former CJ has taken up an initiative we all had been waiting for.
Even after clear video evidences of rigging we need a commission to find out rigging, all returning officers were appointed by CJ so ultimately he is responsible for the massive rigging as he has to pay back the investment made by N.S in his campaign..... still people find a reason to support iftikhar and n.s
Lets see.. what "shameful" things are revealed..
@Faraz: You missed the point, who said PTI has to win the elections? The elections were rigged heavily. CJ could take suo moto for everything and probe into every minor issue on its own, he couldn't take the notice of one of the biggest issues even when Imran Khan kept on calling judiciary to probe into it. What a shame!
That will be icing on the cake for IK, as this will force courts to investigate rigging! One thing IK has been asking courts to take suo moto about! So this so called judge will not sue IK but only talk about it. He believes he can use the services of the judges he appointed to return him favours, is living lalaland!
IK, now taste real pain....
Ex CJP Chaudhry was not driven by intellect or vision but by his ego he had a penchant for the petty exercise of power. His decisions were based on bias in favor of 1 political party and personal agendas. He was an opportunist person, even among his piers and his juniors was not considered a good practitioner of Law.
Mr Chaudary, u are the worst thing happened to out country..took Suo moto notice on the whole world but failed to address what happened under your nose as you Claim(which is not possible). You with an entourage of 14 ppl just now had a vacation in La and London shouldn't we take Suo moto of the source of funds is Malik Riaz still funding it bcz u struck a deal with him when he found 6 million dollar in Singapore bank account of your son. U r chore and so is your son and you will see what will happen to u.
Punjabi establishment is nervous, Imran.
Don't worry about them.
@Parvez: Why do you think he would lose? It is Imran who insisted that the. ROs should be from the judiciary. This is not what the former CJ had wanted. Indiidual acts of rigging may very well have happened but it wold be very tough for Imran to make the case that there was systematic plan to rig across the board and the CJ facilitated such a plan.
In fact Imran's own statements in a court in Aug 2013 in the contempt of court proceeding that he had the highest respect for the CJ and that his concern was hat some ROs hadmay have indulged in rigging at local level, will go against him. After all, that statement was under oath. If he now claims that statement was false, then he is admitting to perjury then.
Of course as an Indian, I do not have any political favorites in Pakistan, nor do I have too much respect for the former CJ- either for his style (unending suo moto) or his integrity (How the Arsalan case was handed over to a family friend). But simply going by the events, i do not see how Imran can win this case.
@Jibran: No wonder all the early comments were one-sided. Way to go ET Moderator, or rather Manipulator.
The ex CJ doesn't realize what is going to happen:
Arsalan Iftikhar and his wealth and the money spent on him by Riaz Malik and others. There is a direct link. The RO issue will be brought up as will the Presidential election issue The resignation of the CEC due to the attitude of the ex CJ The Tahir ul Qadri shambolic trial The biased contempt charge Inability to take action against the rigging allegations Direct links with PMNS and Rana Sanaullah during the Musharraf periodThis will be a trial of the pro PMLN and anti PPP approach of the ex CJ and more.
Many lawyers who have been at the receiving end will be happy to come in and help.
I want to tell Imran khan that what about the seats you won illegal? And here in Nowshera i know how your CM won seat. Stop blaming other and please focus here in Pakhtunkhwa. And stop behaving like a 3 years child.
Najam Sethi also said he will sue IK, still waiting for his lawsuit. Now another crook among the entire gang of crooks threatens a lawsuit. Looks like ET moderators are selectively screening comments so not sure if my comment will make it.
CJ Sahb the champion of Sue moto could not able to make even a single person accountable for corruption in Pakistan during his time .. seems as if he had a soft corner for PML N from very start ..that's the reason he gave tough time to Musharaf and PPP .. Stand against Musharaf was purely personal and nothing else .. Arsalan Iftikhar/Malik Riaz case is clear example how CJ put aside corruption charges on his son .. It's time to expose corruption of CJ and his arrogant son Arsalan
Have you ever wondered why a CJ, who took suo moto notices over such insignificant issues as wine bottles of a woman who belonged to his rival Musharraf's party, wouldn't take suo moto notice over such massive rigging allegations? He wouldn't even pursue this issue even when petitions were filed by PTI, claiming that he couldn't deal with the rigging cases cuz he had a backlog of 20000 case..
Still you think he didn't wanna push the rigging allegations under the carpet?
Think about it!
@khalid: wake up brother,and start thinking from the eyes of the poor people,imran khan is the only person who can put pakistan where it belongs.right up.Think hard and what has other dicators has done apart from taking all the money which belongs to poor people of pakistan,you seem to belong to ppp or nawab sharifs party.I mran khan want all the money from their swiss banks back to poor people of pakistan.wake up brother.Its about time someone has to voice for the poor people.
Time to Expose Corruption of Former CJ. Reward for Arsalan shows nothing but ultra rigging efforts by this Corrupt Crook Iftikhar Ch, May Allah bless IK; who is exposing almost every Corrupt element of Pakistan.
CJP should also explain how his son get all the perks and money his son got from Malik Riaz. Honorable justice's wife also went sight seeing in Europe with Arsalan and paid by Malik Riaz. How come CJP dis not know about his wife's foriegn visits with Arsalan on teh expense of Malik Riaz.
Please CJP sue the Imran Khan on his allegation and we all will know the truth and more about you and your family.
Iftikhar was CJ when after May 2013 elections all parties raised hue and cry of rigging. If Iftikhar took suo moto of samosa prices and bottle of liquor, why didn't he take suo moto of rigging then? No issue was too small for him, except of course where he risked being exposed.
Honestly, I am not a PTI fan but look at it rationally the former CJ and his son already have a very bad reputation. The judiciary of Pakistan is no longer credible. The judiciary even has links to terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi who has been responsible for killing thousands of innocent shia citizens.
All the promises made by the judiciary during Mushraff's emergency era were nothing but a bunch of lies.
Certainly for a judiciary that supports extremists rigging cannot be denied.
It is very sad Pak the third world country and know as one of the most corrupt country in world. But the most miserable thing is our supreme court also get aside with corrupt people. At least judiciary should remain less corrupt alas . I wish this former CJ should get punished for his wrong doers
The ET moderator, working 2 hours earlier, was professionally dishonest. He systematically blocked all posts commenting on the corrupt practices of the Ex. PCO CJ. Not only mine, but the onesided comments are indicative of that.
IK and has clear evidence to prove the election was rigged (we've all seen it on TV). What's the Judiciary doing about it?... NOTHING... Hence what's the logical conclusion... Judiciary is complicit.
This comment moderator is only allowing comments that are anti-Imran.
Hope someone takes him and to task .
C.J. is guilty as sin. Son Iftikhar after failure to produce anything substantial stooped to character assassination of IK to vent vent his misery. Karma catches up in the end.
this may politically benefit imran khan
ik has already sued khawaja asif & juif chief..nothing happens...process is too slow & lawyers are smart enough to dodge
nothing will happen...ifthkar chaudhry will get a taste of his own medicine & will realize how messed up our judiciary is..cj did nothing to improve our courts..
What did he do for nation except for a marathon of suo motos. He didn't charge anyone except Gillani for contempt of court. Ex-chief is a disgrace to nation and must be tried under Article 6 for manipulating General Elections.
Those who are commenting in favour of former CJP, are they really in favour of CJP or against Imran? Have the real judiciary restored (judges that were removed by CJP) and then let former CJP sue Imran.
He famously said that he has 40 thousands cases to look after so how can he take su moto on rigging even with hundreds if video evidences of it, once famous for taking so moto even for price of sugar and samosa was red faced when asked about the rigging, he had no time in fixing the lower judiciary, he had no time to take action against the culprits who rigged the elections and RO's who helped his uncle's son's (Rana Sana Ullah) arty to win elections, for him convicting those who played with the democracy of Pakistan is not a issue at all but as soon as he was asked to take some action he suddenly remembered 40 thousand cases which are pending since decades.
It will remain almost ready. CJ was only one of instrument who were trying to have Islami Nizam in Pakistan. Other are PMLN PMLQ PTI JI JUF these parties are political mouth piece of TTP
Just like when Najam Sethi threatened to sue IK? This tolla who helped NS with rigging knows IK is telling the truth. You can't fool all the people all the time ex-CJP.
Imran clearly stated he has circumstantial evidence; he has never been part of Federal government to have direct or physical evidence. This court case has a potential of opening up pandora box and a lot can come out - enough to morally disqualify Noon-League.
@RealPeople very valid point.
Good start! Liar Khan has lost sense of responsibility and he is down a filthy road pointing fingers at any one and every one for his failures. On one hand he is blaming CJ and on other hand he is punishing people of Punjab by senseless and nonsense demonstrations. Just because he lost the election. I hope CJ takes him to the fullest length of law and for once we have a ill spoken so called leader controlled. Imran other people are also human beings deserving respect and compassion. You are not the only angel alive.
@RealPeople: Please check the statistics of Election results. PTI was no where in the position to win the Punjab battle. More than 65% constituency of Punjab where PTI security was forfeited (not secure even 1% of votes). All the electables which were moved to PTI (leghari brothers, bosan Family, Bhinders of Gujranwala and many other) left PTI and joined Pmln.All surveys were in PMLN favors. Please make your mind through statistics and facts rather than believing on Talkshows.
soon another U-turn expected :)
@RealPeople: Conducting free and fair elections is the duty of Chief Election Commissioner. Constitution has given him complete authority over returning officers and polling staff. Second in line is the local administration. Third in line is media. Fourth in line are polling agents. Fifth in line are voters. Did you see Chief Justice of Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif in this picture?
G.A Imran
@Jaffar Hameed: If CJ doesn'tperform his duties and facilitates rigging...Appointment of Arsalan is an enough of an evidence besides CJ's reluctance to take rigging cases seriously. Believe me IK is an angel in comparison with former CJ....As IK has never used his contacts to violate merit to get his son admission in a medical college.
The entire nation stood behind him when he was nothing but an unknown CJ of SC, but when people brought him back with the expense of many lives he (Iftikhar) let them down badly and brought bad name to the top place of justice in Pakistan! Now the new house he is making is probably falling short on the money he made at election time!
Excellent! iK is leveling stupid allegations that he would never get away with in another country. Excellent move up bring charges of defamation on him
With this being a cival matter former CJP will have 2 answer many questions 4 example he stated he could not afford a vehicle now he his building a villa worth ovr $2million and his lifestyle were the wealth of his son came from and the expensive trips his wife went on.I find it hard 2 believe that he will do such as he runs the risk of being exposed..saying that he sees ineviatable and as decided to strike before he is struck..
While issuing contempt notice Mr. Chaudary claimed returning officers were part of judiciary and so sharmnaak ROs comment was contempt of mighty court. Now when evidence is found against ROs for corruption Mr. Chaudary completely disowned them saying these are chosen by EC.
How hilarious it can get Mr. Chaudary. You are not Divine, and people are not stupid anymore. You did worst to the country misusing the trust nation put in you.
Imran already knew it. This is the reason he is moving to IDPs tents.
@Jaffar Hameed: so who has the responsibilty to challange the system when large scale rigging is happening with evidence-especially when one is the CJP in chair?
Imran is the most immature and Liar politician. He is always busy in protesting, blaming, abusing and accusing others.
Devil caught in the act !!! Someone has to give Imran Khan a lesson for his non-sense stream of lies and display of inhumane attitude towards others. Thanks Mr Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry for standing against Imran's ongoing immoral values !!!
Seems a nice development from Ch. iftikhar to drag him into legal battle which hopefully will conclude and remove curtains from these allegations and make truth public.
Oho now PTI will say that entire judiciary is biased so the Ex-CJP should file suit for damages in courts of Jupiter.
Allah bless Pakistan. Allah bless Iftikhar Ch.
Former CJP need not worry. Imran has forgotten all the ethical standards. He is raising fingers on others as if he himself is an angel. Former CJP had no role in the elections. What can Imran prove in the court of law? Imran should avoid raising fingers on others.
I am very happy and I hope the court will show the world who is right and that justice prevails. Imran Khan can not commit libel and get away with it. I am very grateful to Cheif Justice Iftikhar Chaudry for all his contributions and standing up to fanatic lunatics who have apparently graduated from Oxford but talk like street boys.
We cannot forget the services of Justice Iftikhar for Pakistan. He tried his level best to improve the judiciary system in the country. There was much improvement due to his efforts but he was retired. Very valuable time of his service was wasted due to Pervez Musharraf who arrested him. Imran's criticism on former CJP is baseless. Allah bless Justice Iftikhar.
Ik has been saying so for a while. Is his real chagrin that Arsalan had to leave BIB? Imran Khan might welcome the suit.
I wonder what crucial judgement in the name of justice this beloved Chief Justice made. Even though no one has evidence against anyone, but our courts and lawyers are the one the worst in the world. No concept of justice in this country by our courts, lawyers, judges, politicians, police, etc.
We are running only and only by the grace of Allah and no one else.
Justice Iftikhar is the pride of Pakistan. Imran has tried to defame him. Nation will never forgive Imran Khan. He is the worst politician I have ever seen.
How could he deny rigging in elections?
The whole Pakistan knows your role MR Ex-CJP so please give it a rest. This will not bring your dignity back.
Ik ur in trouble bro
Your honor you will lose........but then elections are not the only thing that gets rigged in Pakistan.
The most corrupt SC-CJ in the history who allowed Zardari and others the criminals to enter into assemblies and he was diverting attention of masses on other issues. How Nawaz became PM despite thrown twice by former COAS on corruption charges? He did not take any action why? Why He allowed Zardari to become president?
former CJP is feeling the heat ....
Biggest shame for dirty politics of Imran Khan. He always blames others without any evidence. His only motive is to create political instability in the country.
All prayers for former CJP. Imran is habitual of blaming and accusing others. Imran cannot change his habit.
He was the CJP at the time of biggest rigging taking place and did NOTHING to "cure" the problem. He is culpable in as much as anyone commting the rigging. The elections were the most improtant occasion in the history og Pakistan. Where was his duty & responsibilty at that time????????
Chief Saheb, just because you were able to manipulate in Musharraf's era doesn't mean you get away with it every time sir!
U-turn ahead :p
No preferential treatment! He should be given the same treatment as the ordinary litigants. A hearing date of 10 years from today.
IC must be missing his power to suo moto!
This person got some nerves. Despite taking oath under PCO, giving legal cover to a dictator, conspiring against elected government, using his son as a frontman for extortion, protecting the terrorists, and spearheading organized rigging, he poses like a Hajji. Absolutely no shame. And his corrupt son has the audacity to come on the national TV making wild statements.
Rigging allegation is not new but seems as if his highness,the lord of rings, is too angry on losing the "golden" post in Baluchistan.
The people and Allah (SWT) stand with you, Imran.
This is just a plot by the punjabi establishment. They are afraid of losing their power.
I guess its jail time for Imran.
it will be interesting match..
Yes, Ex-CJP has right to sue wherever he wanted. If u know what I mean !!!!
Cant former CJ Choudary just disappear? He has created enough mess already. Just leave us alone.
so i am 100% sure...U Turn Khan will take another U Turn and will apologise !!
CJ did the right thing, adopting legal course of action, and refusing to comment on IKs insulting remarks to the office of the CJ. On the other hand, PTIs MNA man-handled Arsalan Ifthikhar calling him names on social media, because their leader has never set the correct precedence of respecting the rule of law, instead, believing in dirty street politics.
And who will be the judges, people appointed by Ifti himself. The result? Similar yo that of his sons cases....
So why not sue and then make the announcement?
I am glad. IK loose talk has to stop.He is not helping democracy in the country Let justice be done.Let IK prove his allegation in court