Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has forwarded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s letter to the constitutional committee, saying that the request pertained to Article 184(3) of the Constitution and is to be handled by the constitutional bench.

 

Last month, Khan wrote a lengthy 349-page letter to the CJP and Justice Aminuddin, addressing issues related to human rights violations, alleged electoral fraud and the arrests of party workers. Article 184 (3) of the Constitution gives SC the power to take on cases involving fundamental rights violations and issues of public importance.

 

“I have asked the committee to review the letter and make a decision,” reports quoted the apex court judge as saying in conversation with journalists after an hour-long meeting with a six-member delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

 

Earlier, the CJP briefed the IMF delegation at the Supreme Court (SC) on the country’s judicial system and ongoing reforms. The discussion, reports said, also included matters pertaining to the appointment of judges and constitutional amendments that have been dubbed as “controversial” by the opposition and certain lawyer groups.

 

The top judge told media persons that he informed the IMF delegation of the judiciary’s independent operations under the Constitution, and clarified that it was not the judiciary’s mandate to provide the IMF with all the details they had asked for.

 

“I informed the delegation about the agenda of the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee (NJPMC). The supervision of subordinate courts falls under the jurisdiction of high courts. The delegation expressed interest in Pakistan’s adherence to agreements and property rights, to which I responded that reforms were underway,” reports quoted CJP Afridi as saying.

 

The top judge said that the delegation provided suggestions regarding the protection of property rights, to which he assured them that the country would consider their recommendations. “They were also informed that special benches would be formed in high courts to expedite hearings.” 

 

On controversy surrounding the judicial commission’s proceedings, CJP Afridi said that he had already expressed his opinion in the meeting and acknowledged that judicial review could be applied to his stance.

 

“Had there been no boycott yesterday, another competent judge could have been appointed to the Supreme Court,” he said in reference to the boycott by PTI members as well as two judges of the SC amid isolated lawyers’ protests.

 

“I expect the agenda for the National Judicial Committee to be finalised by tomorrow,” reports quoted him as saying, adding that the opposition leader had also been asked for suggestions.

 

To a question about alleged cracks within the judiciary, the CJP said that previous practices among judges persisted, and it would take time for them to change.

 

“Everything will gradually be set right,” he said and highlighted recent changes within the JCP. “Any member can now propose a name for consideration. Excellent judges are being brought in.”