The Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government’s plea objecting to the bench responsible for hearing petitions challenging the audio leaks commission. The ruling came on Friday, as the five-member like-minded larger bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Bandial delivered its verdict.
Announcing the reserved judgment, Justice Ijazul Ahsan declared that the objections raised by the PDM government were tantamount to “an attack on the judiciary.” The bench criticized the government for delaying court proceedings and failing to implement orders related to the Punjab Assembly elections.
“The court has faced all such actions of the federal government with tolerance, forbearance, and restraint. However, it goes without saying that any refusal to implement a final and therefore binding judgment of the court can be visited with consequences laid down in the Constitution,” Justice Ahsan stated.
The former coalition government had previously raised objections over the presence of Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice Muneeb Akhtar on the bench overseeing the case. This objection led to a stay on the proceedings of the commission, which included Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq.
In the written order, the Supreme Court acknowledged that the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan had raised objections over the presence of the three judges, citing a “conflict of interest.” After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its verdict, maintaining that the order of May 26 would remain in effect until the objections regarding the bench’s composition were resolved.
The Supreme Court’s order further highlighted a constitutional principle of paramount importance, suggesting that the federal government may have breached it by acting unilaterally in this matter. The commission in question was tasked with investigating alleged audio recordings, including those purportedly featuring the voice of the CJP’s mother-in-law and Justice Naqvi.
The case’s hearing has now been adjourned indefinitely, raising anticipation and questions about the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle.
