Former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, the first Pakistani judge invited to a dinner by The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, may face protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) UK chapter during his visit on Tuesday.
This email has been sent to Sir Christopher Ghika, who is the Chief Executive and Under Treasurer at @middletemple
I have focused on three points:
1. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah's letter to Qazi Faez Issa
2. A summary of Qazi's decisions impacting human rights and damaging the… pic.twitter.com/OZp8wPjUmf— Jehanzeb Paracha (@JehanzebParacha) October 26, 2024
Jahanzeb Khan, former senior vice president of PTI UK, and Sahibzada Jahangir, a friend and former advisor of PTI founder Imran Khan, confirmed that a demonstration has been organized at Middle Temple in Central London to protest Isa’s participation and criticize the society for inviting and elevating him within the Temple. According to Jahanzeb, former ministers and advisers Zulfi Bukhari, Maleeka Bokhari, and Shehryar Afridi are also expected to join the demonstration.
Read more: Zain Qureshi Steps Down as PTI Deputy Leader Amid Show-Cause Notice
The Middle Temple confirmed that it has invited former CJP Isa to a bench call ceremony, where newly elected members are formally called to the Bench. Alongside Isa, Professor Adrian Briggs, Isabel Hitching KC, and Nikki Singla KC will also be called to the bench before dinner and will take their seats at the high table.
Isa is expected to deliver a brief speech to the benchers and members, as confirmed by the Middle Temple.
He studied law at the Middle Temple and his father, Qazi Isa, was also a graduate of the Middle Temple.
Middle Temple is one of four historic and esteemed legal institutions known as the Inns of Court in London. These institutions provide training to law students and grant licences for entry into the legal profession. The other three Inns of Court are Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn and Inner Temple.
Read more: Pakistan among the world’s lowest in law and Order
PTI Escalates International Campaign for Imran Khan’s Release
After lobbying UK parliamentarians to raise concerns with their government about Imran Khan’s imprisonment, the PTI is intensifying its international campaign to highlight the extended detention of its leader, including a planned protest at an event featuring former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa as a key guest.
A group of UK parliamentarians has formally written to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs, David Lammy, urging action regarding Khan’s detention. Additionally, a PTI leader confirmed to Dawn on Sunday that London-based PTI leaders and supporters plan to protest at an upcoming event where former CJP Isa will be a prominent guest.
Thank you MP @KimJohnsonMP and all others who have signed your letter that raises the grave concerns against the illegal and inhumane treatment of Former Prime Minister Imran Khan to Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy . 20 Peers & MPs have endorsed it so far with many more to come.… pic.twitter.com/FIj00LvdN0
— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) October 27, 2024
Speaking to Dawn, PTI’s UK-based leader Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari stated, “Overseas Pakistanis will naturally protest. Faez Isa has left a damaging legacy, undermining Pakistan’s judicial system. His record includes depriving us of our symbol, affecting reserved seats, and authorizing recounts in certain constituencies. He is a disgraced figure and should not be speaking at any prestigious platform.”
Bukhari’s comments referred to former CJP Faez Isa’s upcoming attendance at an event at the Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court with exclusive rights to call students to the Bar. The London dinner, scheduled for Tuesday, will include a ceremony to formally call elected members to the Bench. This year’s Callees include retired Justice Isa, who, along with others, will be seated at the High Table and deliver a short speech following dinner.
MPs Urge Action Against Imran Khan’s Detention
Kim Johnson, the MP for Liverpool Riverside, along with several other MPs, addressed a letter to cabinet minister David Lammy, asserting that Imran Khan’s detention lacks “legal basis” and is aimed at hindering his political involvement.
The letter referenced an Amnesty International report that detailed a “pattern of weaponization of the legal system” to impede Khan’s political activities. Johnson emphasized that Khan has been denied adequate resources to prepare his defense in at least three trials, raising serious concerns about violations of fair trial standards.
Additionally, the MPs condemned recent constitutional amendments in Pakistan that would create a new federal constitutional court, granting it the authority to override the Supreme Court in politically sensitive matters.
The British MPs expressed that this development would undermine judicial independence and enable the Pakistani government to more effectively silence opposition voices. They also raised concerns about recent measures restricting the activities of the party facing these limitations.
“The political precedent this sets is dangerous,” the letter stated, urging the immediate release of Imran Khan and calling on the UK government to advocate for the protection of human rights and democratic values.
The letter received support from a range of cross-party MPs and peers, including Baroness Joan Bakewell, MP Apsana Begum, and Lord Peter Hain, among others.
This correspondence follows recent headlines featuring Imran Khan, sparked by concerns for his health and safety voiced by notable figures, including his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, English business magnate Richard Branson, philanthropist Jeffrey Skoll, and American epidemiologist Lawrence Brilliant.