The CJP dismisses criticism by saying, “Good to see you, Imran Khan.”
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial defines ‘excellent manners’ as nonpolitical
PAKISTAN; ISLAMABAD
It appears that the country’s upper echelons are on edge due to the highly volatile political climate. Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial stated on Tuesday during a civil case hearing that his comment “good to see you Imran Khan” did not have any political overtones.
After receiving backlash for greeting deposed prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairperson Imran Khan with a simple greeting during a hearing following Khan’s arrest by paramilitary forces, the CJP clarified that everyone is entitled to basic respect and good manners.
CJP Bandial, speaking to attorney Asghar Sabswari at a civil case hearing, emphasized the need of good manners.
The Chief Justice’s comments follow a sit-in by the ruling coalition, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), outside the Supreme Court (SC) the previous day to protest CJP Bandial’s alleged preferential treatment of former premier Imran.
On May 11, a three-judge bench led by CJP Bandial ruled that Imran’s arrest from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was unlawful and commanded his immediate release, prompting the ruling alliance to announce that they would be holding the sit-in just outside the top court.
On May 9, 2023, paramilitary Rangers conducted a swift raid on behalf of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), storming the IHC where Imran had appeared in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case to face graft proceedings against him.
In PTI’s words, the “abduction” occurred before the court case had started. While maintaining that the arrest itself was legal, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq questioned the manner of arrest and issued contempt summons to the interior secretary and the Islamabad inspector-general of police (IGP).
Imran and his legal team had already skipped sessions in a separate graft case, but the next day the IHC granted NAB eight days of physical detention of the PTI chairperson and indicted him.
In response to significant protests in major cities following Imran’s detention, the authorities cut off mobile internet and restricted public access to information.
The involvement of the country’s paramilitary forces and the apparent disregard for due process in dealing with an accused person also attracted international attention, with media outlets around the world pointing to rising tensions between the deposed prime minister and the current civil-military establishment.
The political instability and disruption of internet connection only made matters worse for Pakistan’s already struggling economy after the arrest.
The political climate has not calmed down since Imran’s imprisonment and release; the former prime minister has accused security personnel of conspiring against his party, while the federal administration has lashed out at judicial forces. Hundreds have been arrested around the country as the government has continued its crackdown on individuals who turned to civil unrest after Imran’s incarceration, despite the ongoing damage to democratic processes.
Massive street demonstrations in response to Imran’s arrests attest to his continued popularity. As an act of vengeance, many of them stormed into strategic military installations and civilian neighborhoods. Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, and Yasmin Rashid, all high-profile members of the PTI, were arrested in the preceding week. Some of the PTI’s top officials are still in custody.
