Since Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial refused to resign after making nice to former prime minister Imran Khan, the ruling alliance has been considering all of its possible legal measures to remove him from office.
Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet have been vocal in their disapproval of Chief Justice Bandial’s involvement in the detention of Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The federal cabinet thinks it’s embarrassing that the chief justice said “Good to see you” to a man suspected of corruption.
During a court hearing today, CJP Bandial explained his position by saying “good to see you” to lawyer Asghar Sabzwari, who was appearing before the chief justice after an extended absence.
The chief justice continued, saying that he uses this statement frequently despite receiving criticism for using it when meeting Imran Khan.
Respect and courtesy are essential to everyone’s enjoyment of life, and I hold everyone in the highest regard,” CJP Bandial said.
Since Khan’s arrest on graft allegations by paramilitary Rangers during a routine appearance at Islamabad High Court (IHC), CJP Bandial’s discussion with the PTI head has been the talk of the town.
As a result of Khan’s detention, his followers took to the streets and rioted, destroying government buildings, blocking roads, and damaging army property.
Two days after Khan’s arrest, on May 11, a three-member bench chaired by CJP Bandial ordered the anti-graft agency to produce him. Khan, dressed in blue (her dress and the waistcoat) was brought before the bench in Courtroom No. 1 under heavy guard.
The CJP welcomed the ex-PM with a “good to see you” as he took the rostrum at the opening. The Islamabad High judicial later granted “extraordinary” relief to the PTI head by ruling that his arrest on judicial grounds was “invalid and unlawful.”
Until the IHC hears his petition against NAB in the Al Qadir Trust case, the court ordered NAB and the police to provide “foolproof” security for the former premier.
The prime minister presided over a meeting of the federal cabinet, when the chief justice’s “interference” was roundly criticized. According to the cabinet’s findings, the chief justice is “guilty of misconduct” and should be dismissed from his position.
The Prime Minister, Shehbaz, voiced his disapproval of “double standards of justice” in a speech to the cabinet. He also stated how the top justice’s “Good to see you” to a crooked defendant tarnished the reputation of the judicial system.
