CJP Isa dismisses PTI’s review petition on intra party elections

Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa on Monday dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) review petition challenging the decision regarding its intra-party elections.

CJP noted that PTI lawyers failed to present any substantial arguments on the merits of the case.

Justice Musrat Hilali expressed concerns regarding the PTI’s failure to conduct its intra-party elections in a timely manner. "I prefer people who talk on TV rather than talking on TV," remarked the Chief Justice, highlighting the disconnect between public statements and actual actions.

The court observed that a significant decision was made on January 13, with elections subsequently held on February 8, leading to questions about why PTI did not request a postponement from the Election Commission to conduct its internal elections properly.

Justice Hilali pointed out that the party could have sought additional time from the Election Commission during that period. In response, PTI's lawyer, Hamid Khan, stated, "I said this here then, the court told me that if there is an adjournment, then they will suspend the decision of the Peshawar High Court."

Khan argued that depriving a party of its fundamental right by stripping it of its electoral symbol is unconstitutional. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar further pressed the PTI representatives, asking, "You never again challenged these provisions of the Election Act?"

Islamabad – PTI lawyer and senior leader Hamid Khan has announced his intention to challenge the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the review petition regarding PTI's intra-party elections. Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Khan emphasized that attacks on the Constitution and the judiciary will not be tolerated.

In his statement, Hamid Khan revealed plans to form a National Action Committee to launch a movement aimed at protecting the Constitution and the rule of law. He called on lawyers across Pakistan to support the initiative, likening it to the committees formed during pivotal moments in 2002 and 2007.

Khan also reminded the public of the upcoming Lawyers' Liberation Day on October 25, a day when lawyers will rally for the rule of law across the country.

"We will not remain silent while the Constitution and the law are undermined," he said, vowing to mobilize the legal community for the cause.

More details on the movement and legal challenge are expected in the coming days.