News Analysis |
Ousted Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif once again criticized the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for not doing what he was saying. Nawaz Sharif was talking to media outside the accountability court when he made remarks about the CJP. He further demanded that everyone in the country should have a right to contest elections without any restrictions. But Nawaz Sharif feared that the country was heading towards unfair elections.
“Everyone should be given an equal chance to contest elections. This is pre-poll rigging. No one will accept the results of these elections,” Nawaz Sharif said.
While talking about his disqualification and corruption cases against his family, Nawaz lamented that this was not something favorable for the smooth continuation of democratic process in Pakistan. He further mentioned that these ‘undemocratic actions’ won’t let the government (caretaker) to conduct free and fair elections. “If this continues to happen then what kind of free and fair elections will be held? You should just forget about having free and fair elections,” Nawaz said to journalists.
People’s disbelief in the institutions and particularly in the judiciary will lead towards chaos. Political commentators and experts often advise the ousted PM not to do politics of confrontation and show some decency and respect for the apex court.
While commenting on CJP’s statement that he (CJP) does not believe in judicial martial law Nawaz Sharif expressed some reservations. Responding to the CJP’s statement Nawaz said, “However, we aren’t seeing the implementation of these remarks”.
Read more: Is Nawaz Sharif threatening to become the next Mujibur Rahman?
He alleged the CJP was using the same language as of his political opponents Imran Khan and Asif Zardari to sideline him. “The remarks made by Imran and Zardari…. unfortunately I have to say that similar language is being spoken by the chief justice,” Nawaz complained. This is not for the first time that Nawaz is holding the CJP responsible for his political downfall. He has done it earlier too.
Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and other senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have been very vocal while criticizing the superior court and the CJP since after Nawaz’s disqualification in Panama Papers case.
Moreover, the CJP’s opened-eyes over the executive and his intention to ensure the provision of basic rights to all citizens is not something appreciable for the PML-N and Nawaz Sharif. This is exposing the myth of governance in Pakistan and it ultimately affects the political image of the Shahbaz Sharif-led PML-N.
Independence of Judiciary and Political interests of Sharif family
The superior courts have, in their history, remained under utmost political influence in Pakistan. Decisions have been made either under the doctrine of necessity or according to the wishes of political or military giants. But after a successful movement led by Pakistan’s lawyers and civil society movement (2007-2009) for the restoration of judges and independence of the judiciary, the superior court in Pakistan is now both independent and active. Many politicians are not interested in either aspect of today’s judiciary in Pakistan. Judicial independence and activism are new challenges for dynastic politics in the country.
While commenting on CJP’s statement that he (CJP) does not believe in judicial martial law Nawaz Sharif expressed some reservations. Responding to the CJP’s statement Nawaz said, “However, we aren’t seeing the implementation of these remarks”.
Nawaz Sharif remained in office in the 1990s, when both executive and judiciary were neither stable nor certain, as the intervention from backdoor greatly influenced and controlled the political process in Pakistan. But since the judiciary is apparently not under any influence at the moment and this is not acceptable for Sharif family. Nawaz wants a controlled judicial system which might provide him some relief, whilst saying it is a prerequisite for establishing and strengthening democracy in Pakistan.
Read more: Nawaz Sharif kay ‘BACHAY’ or ‘Sons & Daughter’?
A narrative against the superior courts and the CJP is being established by Sharif family and their loyalists to divert public attention from the allegations of corruption leveled against them. This may be helpful for attracting a few people but, as a matter of fact, this is might be disastrous for Pakistan in long run. People’s disbelief in the institutions and particularly in the judiciary will lead towards chaos. Political commentators and experts often advise the ousted PM to stop his politics of confrontation and show respect for the apex court.