ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) experienced a similar spectacle today after Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial welcomed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
In the PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry petition, the IHC called Islamabad Police Inspector General Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan.
“IG sahib, good to see you,” IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb said to Islamabad’s top cop.
The courtroom laughed uncontrollably at the judge’s welcome.
CJP Bandial clarifies his polite greeting.
Last week, the nation debated CJP Bandial’s words during Imran’s Supreme Court appearance after his arrest.
CJP Bandial called his greeting of Imran, who is suspected of corruption, “good to see you” but the federal cabinet called it a blight on justice.
On Tuesday, CJP Bandial addressed lawyer Asghar Sabzwari by stating “good to see you” during a court hearing.
The top justice said, “He is being criticised for greeting Khan in the same manner; however, he uses this phrase often”.
“I hold everyone in high esteem as respect and courteousness are important for everybody,” CJP Bandial said, adding, “Without these two aspects, there is no fun”.
After Punjab Rangers arrested Khan for fraud at IHC, CJP Bandial greeted the PTI head.
After his detention, his supporters took to the streets, burning government buildings, blocking roads, and damaging army property, which PTI blames for Khan’s dismissal last year.
CJP Bandial’s three-member panel ordered NAB to present Khan two days after his detention on May 11. Under a tight security surround, Khan appeared before the bench in Courtroom No. 1 with a blue frock and dark blue waistcoat.
The CJP said “good to see you” when the ex-PM arrived at the rostrum.
The court granted the PTI president “extraordinary” relief, calling his arrest from the Islamabad High Court “invalid and unlawful”.
