Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, has called for charges to be brought against three Supreme Court justices following a recent ruling that ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold elections in Punjab on May 14. Sharif, who leads the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), claims that the verdict was politically motivated and designed to bring current Prime Minister Imran Khan back to power.
During a press conference, Sharif accused the judges of having double standards, claiming that elected prime ministers were often ousted by the judiciary, while dictators were able to utilize the “doctrine of necessity”. Sharif also expressed concern that the verdict would cause the rupee to soar to Rs500 against the dollar and inflation to rise to new heights.
The PML-N leader has previously been on the receiving end of verdicts from the same judges, further fueling his allegations of political bias. He urged the public to stand against the “destruction” of the state, calling for a full court to hear the case instead of a minority-ruled bench.
The federal cabinet also rejected the verdict, arguing that it had been issued by a bench with a minority ruling of 3-2, and vowed to raise the matter at different forums.
This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions between Pakistan’s political parties and the judiciary. Sharif’s allegations of bias and political interference echo criticisms from other opposition leaders, who have accused the judiciary of being overly influenced by the government.
The role of the judiciary in Pakistani politics has long been a contentious issue. In recent years, the judiciary has played a prominent role in removing political leaders from power, including Sharif himself, who was disqualified from office in 2017 on corruption charges.
Critics of the judiciary argue that these decisions have been politically motivated, with the judiciary being used as a tool to suppress opposition voices and consolidate power. Supporters, on the other hand, claim that the judiciary is simply upholding the rule of law and holding politicians accountable for their actions.
The truth likely lies somewhere in between. While there may be instances of political interference, the judiciary also plays an important role in ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions. However, there is a need for greater transparency and accountability within the judiciary to ensure that its decisions are fair and impartial.
The recent ruling against the PML-N highlights the need for reform in Pakistan’s judiciary to ensure that its decisions are not influenced by political biases. While it remains to be seen what actions will be taken in response to Sharif’s allegations, it is clear that there is a pressing need for greater accountability and transparency within Pakistan’s judiciary.
The ongoing tensions between Pakistan’s political parties and the judiciary continue to be a cause for concern. Sharif’s allegations of bias and political interference, while controversial, highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability within the judiciary. It is important that steps are taken to ensure that the judiciary remains impartial and free from political influence.