Islamabad, August 29, 2023 – The President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Shehbaz Sharif, criticized the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, for their alleged favoritism towards Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. This came in response to the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision to suspend the sentence handed to Khan in the Toshakhana case.
The IHC’s verdict is a significant legal win for Imran Khan, who was previously sentenced to three years in prison and fined Rs100,000 for his involvement in corrupt practices related to the state gift repository. The sentencing had barred him from participating in the upcoming elections.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the former Prime Minister expressed his belief that the IHC had been influenced by the leniency shown by the apex court towards Imran Khan. Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Khan’s sentence had been suspended, not terminated.
He raised concerns about the justice system’s credibility, stating, “If everyone knows what the decision will be before the decision comes, it should be a moment of concern for the justice system.” Sharif also noted that when higher judiciary sends a clear message, subordinate courts tend to follow suit.
Furthermore, Shehbaz criticized the courts for what he saw as undue leniency towards Imran Khan and his party. He criticized the Chief Justice’s involvement in overseeing cases and accused the justice system of tilting the scales of justice to favor certain individuals.
Describing the situation as a “dark chapter of history,” Sharif emphasized the importance of a fair justice system that upholds justice for all, regardless of their position. He lamented the perceived lack of justice for ordinary citizens, while those involved in corrupt practices and criminal activities seemed to receive special treatment.
Zahid Khan, a senior leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), which is part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), also criticized the IHC’s decision, terming it a “murder of justice.” He questioned why Imran Khan was receiving special treatment despite concrete evidence of wrongdoing, and he voiced concern over the courts’ decision-making process.
The PDM spokesperson, Hafiz Hamdullah, speculated about the motivations behind the suspension of Imran Khan’s sentence. He raised questions about meetings between Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and a dignitary from a “friendly Muslim country.” Hamdullah questioned whether these meetings were related to seeking relief in cases, referring to the term “NRO” (National Reconciliation Ordinance), often used in Pakistan to describe political amnesty.
The reaction from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party spokesperson, Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan, was notably different. He lauded the IHC Chief Justice for winning the hearts of Imran Khan and his party workers, suggesting that this decision could foster a positive relationship between the PTI and the judiciary.
Read more: Imran khan Re-Arrested in Cipher Case after Released from Attock Jail
The suspension of Imran Khan’s sentence has stirred a range of reactions, with political figures expressing their opinions on the matter. The incident highlights the ongoing complexities within Pakistan’s political and judicial landscape, where differing perspectives on justice and accountability continue to shape the discourse.
