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Supreme Court being ‘maligned’ via audio leaks: CJP Bandial

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  • We are being patient and ignoring these tapes, says CJP.
  • Says it is unfortunate that baseless allegations have been made against judges.
  • CJP also questions authenticity of audio leaks. 

ISLAMABAD: Following a series of leaked audios against judges, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday observed that the Supreme Court is a constitutional institution which is being “maligned” via audio tapes.

The remarks were passed by the top judge while heading a two-member bench hearing a plea filed by former Lahore capital city police officer Ghulam Mehmood Dogar against his transfer. During the hearing, the Supreme Court also disposed ofthe appeal as it was taken back by the petitioner.

“The Supreme Court is a constitutional institution which is being maligned through audio tapes,” the CJP said. He added that the apex court will work with patience to protect the institution.

“These audio tapes defaming constitutional institutions are of no importance. We are being patient and taking a lenient view of these tapes. We will protect the institution,” said the CJP. He added that it was unfortunate that baseless and false allegations have been made against the judges in audio and video leaks.

“What is the authenticity of these audio and video tapes?” remarked the CJP.

Earlier at the outset of the hearing, Dogar’s lawyer Abid Zuberi told the court that he wishes to take back the petition.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) lawyer informed the court that the election schedule has been issued for the polls in Punjab.

“As per Article 218 holding free and fair elections is our responsibility. For a level-playing field, the ECP has the power to shuffle the bureaucracy,” said the lawyer. He added that the caretaker government can also transfer officers with the ECP’s approval.

At this, Justice Yahya Afridi asked, when does the ECP exercise its power of issuing transfer and posting orders?

CJP Bandial remarked that the ECP uses the power to transfer officers to ensure transparent elections. “It has been proven that the caretaker government transfers officials with the ECP’s permission.”

“The Election Commission itself can give orders to the caretaker government to transfer officers,” said the CJP.

Moving on, CJP Bandial remarked that the ECP has wide-ranging powers, adding that all political parties should get an equal chance during elections.

The top judge also remarked that the ECP should not give a free hand to the caretaker government for the transfer of the officers. He added that ECP should ask the caretaker government about such transfers.

“At times Supreme Court’s words are misinterpreted,” said the CJP. He added that the court had remarked that in 1988 there was an honest prime minister which was misunderstood by the Parliament.

“We did not say that till now there has been only one honest prime minister,” clarified the CJP. He added that the court has protected constitutional institutions in its decisions.

“Judiciary is being attacked [and] judiciary we will be protected,” said the top judge.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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