ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial said the Supreme Court “maligned” by audio tapes after a series of leaked audios against justices.
The top judge made the remarks while leading a two-member bench hearing a plea by former Lahore capital city police officer Ghulam Mehmood Dogar against his transfer. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal after the petitioner resubmitted it.
The CJP stated that audio recordings are defaming the Supreme Court. He stated that the apex court will safeguard the institution patiently.
“These constitutional institution-defaming audio tapes are irrelevant. We are forgiving these cassettes. The CJP pledged to safeguard the institution. He said it was sad that audio and video leaks produced false accusations against judges.
“Are these audio and video tapes real?” CJP.
At the start of the session, Dogar’s lawyer Abid Zuberi requested the petition’s withdrawal.
Moreover, The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) lawyer informed the court that the Punjab election schedule announced.
Article 218 requires us to hold fair elections. The lawyer claimed the ECP can reorganise the bureaucracy for a level playing field. With ECP agreement, the caretaker government can also transfer officers.
Transfer Posting order
When does the ECP issue transfer and posting orders, Judge Yahya Afridi asked?
Moreover, CJP Bandial said the ECP transfers personnel for transparent elections. “It proven that the caretaker government transfers officials with the ECP’s permission.”
While, The CJP stated the Election Commission can direct the caretaker government to transfer officers.
Moreover, CJP Bandial added that the ECP has broad powers and that all political parties should have an equal chance in elections.
While, The top judge also said the ECP should not let the caretaker government remove officers. He suggested ECP inquire the caretaker government about such transactions.
The CJP noted Supreme Court pronouncements are sometimes misconstrued. The court noted that Parliament misunderstood an honest prime minister in 1988.
“We did not say that till now there has been only one honest prime minister,” the CJP emphasised. He noted that the court has upheld constitutional institutions.
“Judiciary is being attacked [and] judiciary we will protect,” stated the senior judge.
