Despite the recent enactment of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024, which grants district magistrates the authority to regulate and ban public gatherings in Islamabad, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) organized a protest outside the Supreme Court on Friday. This demonstration was aimed at voicing their opposition to the proposed constitutional court and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, reflecting deepening concerns within the party regarding governmental actions perceived as threats to judicial independence.
Prominent PTI leaders such as Salman Akram Raja, Shoaib Shaheen, Azam Swati, Latif Khosa, and Niazullah Niazi were among the protesters. They articulated their fears that the government’s moves could undermine the Supreme Court’s role and diminish its authority. The protesters emphasized that the apex court is crucial for the protection of human rights and the enforcement of constitutional law.
Salman Akram Raja, addressing the crowd, announced the initiation of a movement to safeguard both the judiciary and the nation, urging the public to actively participate. He warned that the proposed constitutional amendment could have far-reaching negative effects on all citizens, not just political parties.
Critically, Raja remarked, “A black court is being established under Qazi Faez Isa. Pakistan will lose foreign funding because trust in the courts will be eroded.” This statement underscores concerns regarding the potential ramifications of perceived judicial degradation on international relations and financial support.
Azam Swati also directed his criticism at Chief Justice Isa, asserting that he has significantly tarnished the reputation of the judiciary. Swati held a group of high-profile figures, including former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, accountable for what he described as the deterioration of institutional integrity. He argued that these individuals should be prosecuted under Article 6 for high treason, echoing Imran Khan’s sentiments about the failures of key institutions.
Advocate Shoaib Shaheen raised alarms about an unconstitutional amendment that would effectively reduce the Supreme Court’s authority to that of a district court, which would severely impact its ability to function effectively.
Advocate Latif Khosa pledged support for Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, committing to resist any efforts by CJP Isa to undermine the judiciary. He invited lawyers from all political backgrounds to unite in defending the Constitution, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect judicial independence.
Lawyer Ali Bukhari reinforced the notion that the Constitution would ultimately prevail against any conspiracies aimed at its alteration. He expressed optimism that lawyers would thwart the proposed constitutional amendment in Parliament, highlighting the legal community’s determination to uphold constitutional integrity.
This protest unfolded against the backdrop of new legislation empowering district administrations to take stringent actions against unauthorized gatherings. Earlier in the month, rules were suspended to facilitate immediate consideration of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024, which includes harsh penalties of up to three years in prison for participants in unauthorized assemblies in Islamabad. This context adds a layer of urgency to PTI’s actions, reflecting their broader struggle for judicial autonomy amid increasing governmental control.
