Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently detained in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, has submitted a written request to the Chief Justice of Pakistan. He seeks permission to appear in person for the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case. Khan’s application was delivered through the jail administration and personally signed by him, demonstrating his determination to present his case directly before the court. The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing for May 30.
Key Points from the Recent Hearing:
- Court Proceedings:
- Justice Athar Minallah questioned the approval of the application for hearing in the high court, confirmed by Makhdoom Ali Khan.
- The court sought the high court’s order of the hearing on the NAB amendments case.
- Makhdoom Ali Khan noted that 53 hearings have been held in the main case.
- The Chief Justice questioned how the case could be heard in both the apex court and high court, to which Khan responded by reading relevant paragraphs from the Supreme Court decision.
- Historical Context:
- Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel inquired about the creation of the NAB ordinance, introduced by former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf in December, shortly after assuming power in October.
- The Supreme Court’s earlier decisions on election cases were discussed, with Justice Minallah highlighting the non-implementation of these decisions.
- Makhdoom Ali Khan pointed out the inadmissibility of the NAB amendment case in the Supreme Court.
Also Read: Imran Khan plans to correspond with Army Chief Asim Munir regarding Pakistan’s current issues
- Chief Justice’s Remarks:
- Chief Justice Isa expressed concerns about disturbances in the courtroom and emphasized the importance of adhering to the law.
- He remarked on the implications of suspending laws at the bill level and questioned the democratic validity of ordinances.
- Justice Minallah raised concerns about threats to judges and underscored the necessity of a strong parliament, an independent judiciary, and fearless leadership against corruption.
- Next Steps:
- The hearing on the intra-court appeals against the NAB amendments verdict was postponed indefinitely.
- The court noted that the next hearing would be scheduled based on the availability of the bench.
- Chief Justice Isa confirmed that Imran Khan would be presented via video link in the next hearing.
Additional Context:
The Supreme Court, under former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, had previously accepted an appeal from Imran Khan, deeming the NAB amendments introduced by the PDM coalition government invalid. This decision was subsequently challenged by the federal government, leading to the current intra-court appeal.
Security measures have been heightened outside the Supreme Court, with increased officer deployment following the viral spread of Imran Khan’s photograph on social media.
These developments underscore the significant legal and political ramifications of the NAB amendments case and Imran Khan’s efforts to personally present his arguments before the Supreme Court.
