Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial said “Solution of all issues of country is only possible through people’s decision” as he heard PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s petition against August 2022 amendments to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance. Three-member Supreme Court bench comprising CJP Bandial, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ijazul Ahsan resumed hearing Imran’s plea, which claims new NAB laws are “Violation of fundamental rights”.

At outset of hearing, discussing general elections, Justice Bandial said, “Solution of all issues of country is only possible through people’s decision. Eight months have passed since incumbent government came to power.”

He referred to prior ruling of Election Commission of Pakistan saying, “ECP had stated in speaker ruling case that they would be ready to conduct elections in November 2022.” CJP asserted, “Current Parliament has been systematically kept incomplete. Legislation taking place in current parliament is also becoming controversial [as result].”

After hearing arguments, three-member bench adjourned next hearing till on February 10. Arguing that Imran did not have right to lodge petition, federal government’s lawyer, Makhdoom Ali Khan said, “Court should remain cautious about Article 184(3) of Constitution. CJP Bandial responded, “Realities of present case are different. Chief of country’s biggest political party has challenged NAB amendments.”

Petitioner Imran Khan is no ordinary citizen. Even after leaving government, he has enjoyed enormous public support.” CJP Bandial stated that judiciary did not want to meddle in legislative either and that it had not taken notice itself but petition had been filed. He highlighted that court had rued its decision once before as well.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 10 2023

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