The Supreme Court has taken notice of Senator Faisal Vawda recent press conference, where he appeared to make remarks that could be construed as casting doubt on certain judges’ impartiality.
During the press conference, Senator Vawda expressed criticism towards judges of the Islamabad High Court, implying severe consequences for anyone attempting to besmirch the reputation of the army. He used a metaphorical phrase, suggesting that such individuals’ turbans could be ‘turned into footballs.’
In a session on Thursday, the Supreme Court, while discussing petitions challenging National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments, witnessed Justice Athar Minallah question the Attorney General of Pakistan about potential indirect intimidation of judges through proxies. He specifically asked if there were intentions to ‘turn turbans into footballs.’
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The Attorney General firmly stated that such actions should not occur and that he did not endorse them.
Reports indicate that a three-member bench, led by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and including Justice Irfan Saadat and Justice Naeem Akhtar, is set to deliberate on the suo motu notice on Friday.
Senator Faisal Vawda, during his press briefing, emphasized his right, under Article 19-A, to seek information. He expressed disappointment at not receiving a response from the Islamabad High Court despite writing to them 15 days ago. Vawda questioned why concerns raised a year ago were only now being addressed and stressed the need for concrete evidence to substantiate allegations of interference.
He asserted that while institutions would be supported with evidence, unwarranted attacks on them would be met with a firm response. Vawda underscored the indispensability of the army for Pakistan’s stability and called for evidence to be presented if allegations of interference existed.