Imran Khan Urged to Participate in Parliament to Address Pakistan’s Issues
Amidst the ongoing trial of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has advised Khan to engage in parliamentary discussions to contribute to solving the nation’s challenges.
CJP Isa’s Suggestion
During a hearing of the Supreme Court on Thursday, CJP Isa remarked that Pakistan needs to move forward and suggested that Khan’s presence in parliament could facilitate progress. He emphasized the importance of addressing the country’s problems and urged Khan to participate in the legislative process.
Khan’s Response
Khan expressed his frustration with the judgment that rejected his request for live streaming of the case. He questioned the court’s assertion that he had engaged in political scoring during the previous hearing, stating that he did not understand the reasoning behind the accusation.
Furthermore, Khan lamented the alleged political victimization he has faced since his ouster from power in April 2022. He claimed that he was unjustly convicted in the Toshakhana case and that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Discussions on NAB Amendments
The Supreme Court also reviewed a petition challenging amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Act. Advocate Khawaja Haris argued that the amendments were introduced to address corruption in the country, but Justice Minallah raised concerns about the law’s focus on elected officials and questioned its fairness.
The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on the matter and requested additional written arguments from the parties involved.
Facilities for Khan in Adiala Jail
The federal government submitted evidence to the court, including photographs, to demonstrate that Khan is being provided with multiple facilities in Adiala jail, including an exercise bike, a separate kitchen, and exclusive access to a gallery for walking.
PTI’s Response
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed gratitude to Justice Athar Minallah for his efforts to uphold the law and Constitution. However, the party criticized the judiciary’s continued struggles with extraconstitutional and undemocratic forces, as evidenced by the ongoing attacks on the Constitution and imposition of martial laws in the country’s history.
Additional Developments
In a separate incident, the PTI condemned the alleged abduction of two brothers of a senior party member by state authorities and demanded immediate action to secure their release.