‘Terrible system’ prevailing under caretaker govt: IHC

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Friday reprimanded the caretaker government, stating that a “terrible system” is prevailing in the country and questioned its neutrality.

“A terrible system is prevailing under the caretaker setup that even consultation for elections is not allowed,” Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked, raising doubts over the government’s intentions towards the conduct of the upcoming polls slated for February 8. “Does the caretaker government want to derail the elections?” he asked.

The judge’s query came during the hearing of a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gauhar Khan and other lawyers, seeking to meet the party’s founder Imran Khan in jail. The lawyers argued that the legal team wanted to consult Khan over the decision to distribute 700 party tickets, as polls approach. Taking notice of the plea, the judge granted them permission to meet Khan for consultations ahead of the polls next year, subsequently disposing of the petition.

The court, in its order, mentioned that the PTI founder should be allowed to meet the party’s chairman under the supervision of Adiala jail superintendent. “Allowing consultation for elections is a fundamental right,” the court maintained, adding that the party possesses the right to consult the founder over tickets. He also asked the caretaker government to remain neutral in the elections.

The court added that the opposition to the PTI founder and chairman’s consultation raises questions over the neutrality of government. The additional attorney general and Adiala jail superintendent also appeared in court during the hearing of the plea. Both the attorney general and advocate general objected to the plea, inviting the court’s ire.

“Was the additional note from the Supreme Court not enough for you? After the Supreme Court, do you want me to write a note against you?” Justice Aurangzeb asked, slamming both the government representatives. The judge stated that the attorney general and advocate general’s office represent the caretaker government and should be impartial.

IHC rules DC lacks authority to issue 3MPO: Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared that the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad does not possess the authority to issue 3MPOs.

The court heard the case of the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar under the 3MPO. The court accepted the pleas of Afridi and Gulzar, challenging the MPO order, and deemed the 3MPO powers under Act PO 18, 1980 as illegal. Justice Babar Sattar delivered a decisive verdict, stating that the power to issue 3MPOs should be exclusively vested in the federal cabinet, not in the hands of the Deputy Commissioner.

Following the court’s decision, Babar Awan addressed the media at the Islamabad High Court, stating, “Justice Babar Sattar has emphasized that action should be taken against those arrested under 3MPO.”

Awan further criticized the powers granted to the Deputy Commissioner and the Commissioner under martial law orders, deeming them incorrect. The court’s ruling has rendered the 3MPO order invalid, emphasizing that only the Cabinet can issue such orders within Islamabad.