In contrast to Nawaz, the judiciary is on Imran’s side: lawyers
According to the opinions of analysts, the upcoming two weeks are critical for the staging of elections in Punjab.
ISLAMABAD:
Senior attorneys think that Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI, has influence over the judiciary in contrast to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif because of his smooth return from the Islamabad Judicial Complex where he appeared for a hearing in the Toshakhana reference.
According to political analysts, the next several weeks will be key in determining if the Punjab Assembly elections will take place on time or if something unexpected will happen to relieve Imran’s strain.
The PTI leader has reportedly instructed his people to challenge the legitimacy of the security establishment since he attributes his current political woes on it.
Imran and the “powerful circles” reportedly don’t trust each other very much. Imran was one of those who stirred up controversy before the selection of the army chief had even begun.
On the other hand, the three main political parties in power—the PML-N, PPP, and JUI-F—want to benefit from the current political climate. Yet, their greatest obstacle is not Imran’s popularity but rather the nation’s deteriorating economic situation.
The PDM leadership has distanced itself from the law minister’s offer, despite the fact that Azam Nazeer Tarar, the minister of law, has promised to engage in political engagement with the PTI.
According to political observers, the main ruling parties are persuaded that it is tough for them to currently challenge Imran in the political sphere. These parties are more concerned with having him removed from the legal system.
Political analysts, however, did not see how these dominant parties would benefit if Imran were to be disqualified prior to the polls.
A senior PTI leader believes that shortly, positive indicators would start to emerge regarding their relationship with the establishment.
Discussions have already begun regarding the options open to influential circles should they be unable to control Imran.
One of the top legal minds in the ruling party emphasized his concern that if things get out of hand, influential people may take any action.
So the following two weeks will be really interesting.
Yet, given the current political climate, the superior judiciary will play a key role.
The primary goal of the PTI is to drag out the Toshakhana case until the National Assembly general elections. In this context, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial’s contribution will be crucial.
Since April of last year, the chief justice has earned the reputation of being a “balanced judge” who prevents one side from easily suppressing the other.
In September of this year, he will retire. The success of the general elections during his administration will determine his legacy. But the Supreme Court itself is going through a polarization issue, with judges criticizing one another’s behavior in their court rulings.
The suo motu proceedings demanding the convening of general elections for the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies within 90 days has also angered influential circles. CJP Bandial is one of the judges who refrained from issuing orders of coercion against the influential groups.
Two judges are still lacking for the supreme court. The senior judges were unable to come to an agreement regarding the candidates for their elevation to the SC.
It is evident that the judiciary is also being put on trial as a result of the events of the past few weeks, in addition to Imran.
Before the general elections, the PDM-led administration wants Imran to be declared ineligible.
According to information obtained, the PTI’s legal team has chosen to file a lawsuit in superior courts against the PDM leaders who bought gifts from the Toshakhana for less money.
Every societal sector has seen an upsurge in polirization. Both judges and bars are divided.
Prominent attorneys said that if influential circles take any measure to fight the PTI then the role of judiciary will be essential. Imran is being criticized by senior attorneys for using party members as human shields to avoid being arrested. They assert that Imran is setting a poor example that his opponents may follow in the event of their potential detention.
Leading attorneys from significant political parties think that, in contrast to Nawaz, Imran enjoys the support of a certain branch of the judiciary.
