Judicial commission: PBC condemns ex-CJP’s statement

LAHORE: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Thursday condemned Justice (retired) Iftikhar Chaudhry’s announcement that he would appear before the judicial commission, formed to probe rigging allegations. In a statement, PBC Executive Committee Chairman Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon said: “The PBC has taken strong exception to a statement by former chief justice of Pakistan that he will appear before the commission as a party. Justice Chaudhry’s statement is in undue haste and gives the impression of his being guilty.” Bhoon also expressed concern over the formation of the commission, calling it a violation of Article 225 of the Constitution. “The Constitution provides a mechanism for addressing grievances of an individual if he feels dissatisfied with result of election or alleges that the same is rigged, through proper constitutional forum in shape of election tribunal and the Election Commission of Pakistan. The formation of the judicial commission to inquire into the allegations of rigging in the last general election is an attempt to involve the judiciary into political matters. It can tarnish the image of the judiciary. The chief justice and judges should not be a part of the commission,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2015.