PTI Leaders Meet CJP Yahya Afridi, Urge Judicial Reforms and Transparency
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders met with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Friday, calling for reforms within the judiciary and opposing any perceived efforts to pack the Supreme Court with judges.
Following the induction of eight new judges into the Supreme Court, CJP Afridi reshuffled multiple judicial committees on Monday to reassign responsibilities among the apex court judges.
The appointment process had been contentious, as four Supreme Court justices previously urged the chief justice to delay new appointments until legal challenges to the 26th Constitutional Amendment were resolved. Concerns had been raised about the possible perception of court-packing, a view also echoed by PTI, which had earlier requested a postponement.
However, CJP Afridi defended the appointments, dismissing allegations of court-packing. He argued that the judiciary had significantly increased its workload, with judges now handling 30 to 40 cases per day compared to the previous average of 12.
PTI Delegation’s Concerns
During a press conference in Islamabad, PTI leader Latif Khosa revealed details of the meeting, emphasizing that the delegation urged the CJP to ensure judicial integrity and transparency.
“Supreme Court judges themselves have written that the 26th Amendment petitions should be decided first before any new appointments,” Khosa said. “We raised the concern that such practices could have long-term consequences for future generations.”
Khosa also pointed to concerns raised by five Islamabad High Court judges regarding seniority disputes, urging the CJP to address the matter.
Military Court Trials and Political Suppression
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, stated that he had sought party founder Imran Khan’s approval before attending the meeting with the CJP. He noted that Imran specifically instructed him to highlight concerns over military court trials.
Ayub also discussed various legal and human rights issues, including:
- The scheduling of court appearances for Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
- Restricted access to PTI leaders, lawyers, and family members visiting Imran in prison.
- The status of detained PTI leaders, missing persons, and abducted supporters.
- The overall rule of law and the security situation in Balochistan.
- Pakistan’s economic crisis.
PTI’s Stand on the 26th Constitutional Amendment
During the meeting, Ayub reaffirmed PTI’s opposition to the 26th Constitutional Amendment, emphasizing the need for independent commissions to review Imran Khan’s letter to the CJP. He also highlighted issues such as:
- The non-implementation of production orders for detained PTI lawmakers.
- Alleged threats against PTI-affiliated lawyers.
- Politically motivated legal cases against party members.
Judiciary’s Role in Upholding the Constitution
Interim PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that the meeting was requested by the CJP ahead of the upcoming National Judicial Policymaking Committee meeting.
“We informed the CJP that court decisions in PTI’s favor are not being implemented,” Gohar said. “He assured us that steps would be taken to address our concerns.”
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja reiterated that the judiciary must take decisive action to uphold the Constitution and ensure the rule of law.
“The enforcement of legal and constitutional rights in Pakistan has nearly collapsed,” Raja remarked. “It is now the judiciary’s responsibility to restore faith in the justice system.”
The meeting concluded with the CJP reportedly acknowledging PTI’s concerns and pledging to consider measures for addressing the legal challenges raised.
