After a prolonged period of quietude, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif voiced his strong criticism of the judiciary, pointing out its perceived biased behaviour towards Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Imran Khan.
Sharif named multiple judiciary members, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, former CJP Asif Saeed Khosa, and sitting judge Ijazul Ahsan. He recounted past instances: “Justices like Ijazul Ahsan, Sheikh Azmat Saeed, and Saqib Nisar were keen on penalizing me. They were relentless in their actions against us, and now there’s evidence of their intent from within their institution. Isn’t Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s testimony from the judiciary proof enough?” Sharif shared this while addressing the media outside PML-N’s London base at Stanhope House.
This statement came in the backdrop of a journalist’s query about the judiciary’s leniency towards Khan in the Toshakhana case.
Khan’s Leadership Under Sharif’s Scrutiny
Sharif didn’t hold back on Khan and the judiciary, saying, “Now, Khan, involved in corruption cases from Toshakhana to Al Qadir Trust involving billions, finds himself shielded by the chief justice. Notice the contrast; a previous chief justice was hell-bent on cornering me, while the current one seems to safeguard Khan despite the damage he has caused to the nation’s values, economy, culture, and traditions.”
Criticizing Khan’s leadership, Sharif pointed out, “Even in power, Khan perpetually opposed us. He publicly declared in America about limiting amenities in my prison cell. He once spoke about publicly dragging me out of the PM house in his protests. His and Tahirul Qadri’s statements are all on record.”
Sharif expressed his disappointment, mentioning, “For Khan, the chief justice of Pakistan, seems ready to stake his career. It’s disheartening that such favouritism continues even when Khan’s associations with Gen Faiz and Gen Bajwa are evident.”
