In a crucial meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Friday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders urged the top judge to address ongoing concerns in the judiciary, including alleged court-packing and unresolved legal matters affecting the party.
The meeting follows the controversial appointment of eight new judges to the Supreme Court (SC), a decision that sparked criticism from various legal circles and political stakeholders. Earlier this month, four Supreme Court justices had written to CJP Afridi, requesting a delay in new appointments until legal challenges to the 26th Constitutional Amendment were resolved. They argued that appointing judges amidst pending constitutional challenges could create a perception of court-packing, a concern also raised by PTI.
However, CJP Afridi defended the appointments, stating that the Supreme Court’s caseload had significantly increased, with judges now handling 30 to 40 cases per day compared to 12 cases previously.
PTI’s Concerns Over Judiciary and Governance
During a press conference following the meeting, PTI leader Latif Khosa emphasized that the CJP must “get his house in order” before appointing new judges. He stressed the need to first resolve pending cases, including those concerning judicial seniority disputes in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Quoting concerns from within the judiciary, Khosa highlighted that several SC judges had urged prioritizing a ruling on the 26th Amendment before making additional appointments.
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub shared that he had received a request from CJP Afridi’s office for a meeting, following which he consulted PTI founder Imran Khan before proceeding.
Imran Khan specifically instructed Ayub to raise the issue of military court trials in the meeting. Ayub stated that he also brought up several other key matters, including:
- Imran Khan & Bushra Bibi’s Legal Proceedings – PTI requested fair legal access to the detained former PM and his wife.
- Lack of Access to PTI Leaders & Workers – The delegation highlighted the difficulty in meeting imprisoned PTI figures.
- Concerns Over Missing Persons & Party Supporters – PTI urged judicial intervention in cases of abductions.
- Rule of Law & Governance Issues – The party pointed out issues in Balochistan’s security situation, broader law enforcement concerns, and economic instability.
PTI’s Demand for Judicial Reforms
PTI Interim Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that the seven-member delegation met with CJP Afridi at his invitation to consult on the upcoming National Judicial Policymaking Committee meeting.
Gohar emphasized that the party demanded proper implementation of Supreme Court orders, claiming that several rulings in PTI’s favor were being ignored.
According to Gohar, CJP Afridi reassured PTI that he would take measures to address their concerns and uphold judicial integrity.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja further stated that Pakistan’s legal framework was under strain, as laws and constitutional provisions were not being properly enforced. He stressed that it was the judiciary’s responsibility to uphold the rule of law and constitutional rights of all citizens.
Political & Judicial Implications
The meeting holds significant implications for Pakistan’s political and judicial landscape, particularly concerning:
- The 26th Constitutional Amendment case
- Allegations of court-packing in the Supreme Court
- Military trials of civilians
- Judicial independence & enforcement of court rulings
The PTI’s engagement with the judiciary marks an important step in their political and legal battle, as they continue to challenge decisions affecting the party and its leadership.
