Political Turmoil in Pakistan

 

Political Turmoil in Pakistan: An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction

Bismillah Rahman Rahim. Assalam Walakeum.

In recent political developments in Pakistan, there are significant updates regarding court proceedings and election rigging. This article provides a detailed overview of these events, emphasizing the complexities and ramifications of the ongoing issues.

Court Cases and Immediate Hearings

A particular individual, if she decides to take any case to court, finds her case heard promptly, especially in two courts where Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Chief Justice Aamir Farooq preside in Islamabad High Court. This advantage is notably significant.

Election Rigging in Punjab

Rigging Overview:

• Geographic Spread: Maximum rigging occurred in Punjab, spanning from Rawalpindi to southern parts of Punjab.
• Election Results: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won about 70 seats out of 708 in Punjab, with a complete sweep in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and significant victories in other major cities like Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur. PTI notably ousted the Noon League in these regions.
• Form 45 vs. Form 47: Initially, PTI candidates led significantly per Form 45. However, discrepancies arose when Form 47 issued results inconsistent with Form 45, often favoring Noon League candidates.

Legal Challenges and Tribunals

Election Commission and Tribunal Issues:

• PTI challenged over 150 seats due to the alleged rigging. The Election Tribunal, initially comprising two senior judges, was overwhelmed, prompting the Lahore High Court Chief Justice to propose a tribunal of eight judges.
• Government and Election Commission: The Election Commission did not notify the additional judges, despite repeated warnings from the Chief Justice.

Supreme Court Involvement

Supreme Court Hearings:

• Immediate Case Filing: The Supreme Court promptly filed and heard the case, revealing Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa's apparent inclination toward certain outcomes.
• Arguments and Oaths: PTI lawyers and candidates, armed with Form 45, took oaths asserting their victories and contested the rigged results on Form 47.

Judiciary and Government Dynamics

Chief Justice's Role:

• Coordination Issues: Qazi Faez Isa questioned why the Election Commission and the Chief Justice could not meet to resolve issues, suggesting that mutual decisions might align more with PML-N's interests.
• Retired Judges Proposal: The Election Commission and PML-N favored appointing retired judges as tribunal members, raising concerns about impartiality and accountability.

Larger Bench Formation and Pending Decisions

Formation of Larger Bench:

• A committee formed under the Practice and Procedure Act will decide on the judges for a larger bench to address the tribunal testing issue.

Lahore High Court's Stand

Opposition to Retired Judges:

• The Lahore High Court questioned the appointment of retired judges to the tribunal, emphasizing that such practices deviate from tradition and existing regulations.

Political Repercussions and Disappearances

Political Climate and Disappearances:

• The government under Maryam Nawaz faces criticism for the frequent disappearances of individuals linked to Imran Khan and PTI. Notably, Shahbaz Gill's brothers and political advisor Ghulam Shabbir have been reported missing.

Toshakhana Case and PTI's Movements

Toshakhana Case:

• The Toshakhana case against Imran Khan, previously leading to his incarceration, is pending in the Islamabad High Court, causing delays in its resolution.

PTI's Nationwide Protests:

• PTI announced nationwide protests despite extreme heat, showcasing their commitment and strength. This unprecedented move highlights the party's resolve and grassroots support.

Conclusion

The political and judicial landscape in Pakistan is fraught with challenges, controversies, and strategic maneuvers. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial to monitor the actions and decisions of the judiciary, the Election Commission, and political entities. Stay updated on these developments to understand the broader implications for Pakistan's democratic process.