Maligning judiciary

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday hit out at the people criticizing the judiciary for issuing judgments that they deem unfavorable. Addressing a seminar in Lahore, the Chief Justice said the perception that judiciary has become a part of bigger plan or design need to end. Without mentioning any names, he said, “If a decision is issued against you, don’t abuse the judiciary by saying baby has become a part of a design or a grand plan “The baba has not and will not become part of a plan “The Chief Justice said those against whom a judgment has been issued have the right to criticize the reasons behind the verdict. He questioned the insinuations of the judiciary being part of the plan or being under pressure.

The disqualified Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and some federal ministers have continued a smear campaign and diatribe against the judiciary. Railway minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq complained that PML-N leadership is not getting fair trial.  State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry use derogatory language against this respectable institution.  Another federal minister Daniyal Aziz described the rejection of Hanif Abbasi writ petition by the Supreme Court seeking Imran Khan’s disqualification as political engineering.

The fact of the matter is that in Panama papers case the larger bench of the Apex Court provided numerous opportunities to Nawaz Sharif and his family members to provide any evidence that can prove that they have purchased their assets abroad with honestly earned wealth. But they could not produce a single genuine piece of evidence in their defense of London flats, Azizia steel factory in Saudi Arabia, Gulf steel mill Dubai, FZE Capital UAE, and drawing a salary of 100000 Dehirm by the former Prime Minister from this enterprise besides receiving Rs. 840 million for four years from 2011 to 2015. On the other hand PTI Chairman Imran Khan produced 7000 thousands pieces of evidence in his defense about his past 30 years financial transactions and the Supreme Court rejeced Hanif Abbasid’s petition seeking disqualification of him. Submission of that much evidence in his defense, Imran Khan set a high moral standard for other politicians. Moreover, Jahangir Tareen also set a glorious precedent of morality by resigning from the post of secretary general of PTI after being disqualified by the Supreme Court. He whole heartedly accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court. Contrary to this example of excellent morality, Nawaz Sharif launched a tirade against the judiciary which is still on from him and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. Her tweet from London on Friday is a reflection of sick and adamant mind. Nawaz Sharif compelled PML-N lawmakers and other allied parties to pass an amendment allowing a disqualified person to become the head of a political party besides embarking upon a smear campaign against the judiciary. This sort of unbecoming behavior on the part of a senior politician is in conflict with the established norms of democracy, individual morality and political decency. It is certainly recalcitrant to the role of law which is Sine qua none of the democracy.