The disagreement between Pakistan’s Supreme Court and the current PDM administration is tragic for both the State and democracy.
The Chief Justice asked the Attorney General how it could be presumed that he and two other justices have a personal stake in the case during yesterday’s hearing of the Audio Leaks Commission case at the Supreme Court.
While giving remarks, the Chief Justice warned the executive to refrain from interfering in the powers of the court. Chief Justice said that we were not even consulted before the commission was formed. He then told the AGP to first prove that his petition could be adjudicated and said: “Objections cannot be raised against judges on mere allegations.”
Earlier, the federal coalition had formed the commission on May 20 under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017. Led by senior puisne judge Justice Isa, the commission also comprises Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq without consulting the Chief Justice.
On May 28, the top court restrained the panel from going ahead with its task. The verdict was issued by the five-member bench hearing the case. Subsequently, the government-appointed commission decided to put its proceedings on hold until the SC decided the petitions.
The aforementioned commission has fostered a hostile environment between the government and the court. The establishment of the commission without proper consultation or coordination with the judiciary indicates that the government has ignored the authority and the necessity of cooperation.
In order for the federal government to use its valuable time to tackle the country’s economic challenges, it is imperative that any disputes between the government and the judiciary be settled in relation to the AudioLeaks Commission, the investigation, and the hearing of the AudioLeaks case.
Many people are worried about Pakistan’s potential default. Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed the possibility that the IMF will disburse the loan to Pakistan this month.
In the event that the IMF programme is restarted, Pakistan will avoid going into default on its debt obligations; nevertheless, as of right now, the people have only heard empty official declarations, promises, and hopes.
The government also provided the IMF with the budget’s specifics, but it is yet unclear how the economy has changed as a result. It is absurd that the finance minister would publicly shame individuals who raise the subject of default anxiety in this instance.
When the economy of the country is doing better, ministers typically respond to harsh criticism with humor; nevertheless, when the government starts to face setbacks on all fronts, anger is evident in their words.
Analysts ought to discuss the possibility of the country defaulting if they perceive it as a real possibility. To allay fears of default, the current administration must turn to actions rather than statements. This is the only method to prevent criticism from journalists, analysts, and columnists.
