Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri said Chief Justice Amir Farooq’s stay order has stalled progress on the NA-48 election rigging case.
The development has elicited mixed reactions, with political parties like the PML-N, Returning Officers (ROs), and the Election Commission expressing satisfaction. At the same time, Members of Parliament associated with Form 45 have voiced concerns.
Justice Jahangiri emphasized the absence of legal obstacles from their side, pointing out that the stay order is the primary hindrance. During the hearing of Ali Bukhari’s appeal against alleged electoral malpractices in NA-48, he suggested, “If the stay is modified, we can resume daily hearings from where we paused. If the order is lifted, we aim to expedite the proceedings before the holidays.”
He also indicated that Chief Justice Farooq is scheduled to hear a related case on July 22, prompting him to set a follow-up date for July 24. “If the stay is lifted, daily hearings will begin from July 24,” Justice Jahangiri added.
In a conversation with Shoaib Shaheen, Justice Jahangiri explained the implications of the Islamabad High Court’s stay order, stating, “Either have it annulled, or we cannot proceed with the case.”
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the stay order, Justice Jahangiri expressed frustration: “We had decided to hear the case daily and render a decision, but now, with the stay, our hands are tied.”
He also highlighted the inefficiency such delays could cause: “If I write a 20-page decision and it is later decided to transfer the cases to another tribunal, it would result in a significant waste of time for the court and all parties involved.”
