In Islamabad, the Supreme Court has delivered a significant win for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) by temporarily halting the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to revoke 78 reserved seats from the party. This move, seen as a setback for the ruling government and the security establishment amid ongoing judicial scrutiny sparked by a letter from six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, underscores PTI’s advantage in the current tensions between the judiciary and security apparatus. The IHC has initiated contempt proceedings against those involved in defaming Justice Babar Sattar, while the Lahore High Court expresses dissatisfaction with the ECP’s delay in appointing election tribunal judges.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has questioned the findings of the inquiry commission in the Faizabad Dharna case, particularly regarding the former ISI director general’s exoneration. In response, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC has taken proactive measures, including initiating contempt proceedings against those maligning Justice Babar Sattar and his family. A larger bench, headed by CJP Isa, will resume hearings on the suo motu case concerning the letter from IHC judges. The federal government is expected to respond to high courts’ allegations of interference in judicial processes, with proceedings to be televised.
The three-judge panel, led by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, emphasized the importance of accurately reflecting the people’s mandate within parliament, raising concerns about reallocating reserved seats to other parties like PML-N and PPP. Former additional attorney general Tariq Mahmood Khokhar views the SC’s decision to suspend the PHC verdict as a victory for the rule of law, but warns of implications for the status quo.
Tensions persist between the government and the judiciary, prompting calls for civilian leaders to engage in easing tensions. Justice Shah and Justice Athar Minallah are seen as defenders of democracy and the Constitution, with CJP Isa’s stance on PTI politics coming under scrutiny.
The ongoing debate centers on how the interim order has halted government efforts to amend the appointment process for judges, alongside proposals to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges. Despite respect for his opinions, PTI leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with CJP Isa, indicating the impact of the letter from the six IHC judges on the standing of both CJP Isa and IHC CJ Aamer Farooq.
