- Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) demands resignation of Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial for alleged favoritism towards PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
- PDM warns of dire consequences if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is disqualified for refusing to comply with court ruling on Punjab elections.
- PDM stages sit-in outside Supreme Court, accuses judiciary of engineered verdicts and misconduct.
Calling for the resignation of Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial for allegedly providing undue facilitation to PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government issued a warning to the top judge about the dire consequences if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was disqualified on the grounds of contempt of court for refusing to comply with the court ruling regarding Punjab elections on May 14.
The multi-party ruling alliance organized a sit-in outside the top court in the Red Zone, strongly criticizing the judiciary, particularly CJP Bandial. The sit-in lasted the entire day before being called off by PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
The sit-in coincided with the hearing on a petition submitted by the ECP, asking the bench to review its decision regarding elections in Punjab. It is worth noting that the sit-in was staged without permission from the local administration, while Section 144 was in effect, which forbids gatherings of more than four people.
Members of the JUI-F scaled the gate of the Red Zone and reached the Supreme Court premises. Vehicles equipped with loudspeakers also entered the sensitive area. The PDM leadership’s container was stationed in front of the Supreme Court gate.
The alliance leaders unanimously stated their refusal to accept any more “engineered verdicts” and accused CJP Bandial of misconduct.
“Mr. CJP, you have been engaging in misconduct for the past month, and you have indicated that you will announce the PM’s disqualification. The PM has protected the constitution, and if any attempt is made against the government, we will defend the National Assembly and the PM,” said PDM chief Fazl while addressing the sit-in participants.
“In this case, CJP, you will find yourself in trouble and unable to save yourself,” he warned.
“We will not tolerate courts making engineered decisions. The court previously removed former Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz and established Parvez Elahi’s government in Punjab. We hold the court in high regard, but we will never allow you to disrespect politicians and parliamentarians. All institutions should work within their designated domains,” added Maulana Fazl, emphasizing the need for institutions to function within their limits.
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Earlier on Monday, supporters of the Pakistan Democratic Movement gather outside the Supreme Court building for a rally.
It was observed that the speeches of PDM leaders, including Maryam Nawaz and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, were censored during the live telecast due to their strong remarks.
Initially, it was anticipated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s sit-in would continue for a few days, but in his speech, the JUI-F chief announced the conclusion of the protest on the same day.
However, he warned that the government’s supporters would return if decisions were not made based on merit. “We will return, and this time, we, not you, will make the decisions,” cautioned the PDM chief to the top judge.
“You have done a great job by coming from far-flung areas, and now you can return to your homes. Whenever you are called, you should come again,” he urged the demonstration participants.
“We aim to restore the prestige of the judiciary. Its reputation is so high that the removal of two or three individuals will not make a difference,” emphasized the PDM chief.
