LONDON: Former prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, has called for action against former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP), Saqib Nisar, accusing him of violating the country’s constitution. Sharif made the remarks during a conversation with reporters in London.
Sharif’s comments were in response to allegations made by Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, a former judge, who accused Nisar of being part of a group of judges who acted against the interests of democracy in Pakistan. Sharif expressed his belief that “action should be taken” against Nisar, but he did not specify what kind of action he was referring to.
When asked about his thoughts on Nisar, Sharif responded with a cryptic statement, saying that he could not say what he wanted to say on the microphone. However, he did not hesitate to criticize Nisar, stating that “those who break the law go directly to jail,” and questioning what Nisar would defend.
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Sharif, who is currently in London receiving medical treatment, is known for his contentious relationship with the judiciary in Pakistan. In 2017, the Supreme Court removed him from office, citing corruption allegations, and he was later sentenced to prison. Sharif and his supporters have maintained that the allegations against him were politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to undermine his political career.
The Pakistani judiciary has also been accused of being politicized, particularly during Nisar’s tenure as CJP from 2016 to 2018. Some critics have argued that Nisar used his position to pursue personal vendettas and that he overstepped his authority in certain cases. However, he is also credited with taking action against corruption and enforcing human rights, particularly in cases involving minorities and marginalized groups.
The issue of judicial independence and accountability remains a contentious issue in Pakistan, with both politicians and citizens expressing concerns about the politicization of the judiciary and the erosion of democratic institutions. Sharif’s comments about Nisar are likely to reignite debates about the role of the judiciary in Pakistani politics and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the justice system.