Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, has stated that if the court’s verdict on the 2017 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) sit-in at Faizabad, Islamabad had been implemented, serious incidents that occurred later could have been avoided. The Chief Justice made these remarks during a review hearing on the apex court’s verdict.
The hearing, which included Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Aminuddin Khan, and Justice Athar Minallah, was adjourned until November 1. During the hearing, several petitioners, including the ruling PTI, joined the Intelligence Bureau and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) in withdrawing their pleas. The Chief Justice questioned the reasons behind this widespread withdrawal, asking why “everyone is so afraid”.
The Faizabad ruling, authored by Justice Qazi Faez Isa prior to his appointment as Chief Justice, instructed the defence ministry and the tri-services chiefs to take action against personnel who violated their oath. It also directed the government to monitor and prosecute individuals advocating hate, extremism, and terrorism. The ruling also criticized various government departments for causing inconvenience to the public during the 20-day sit-in, which affected life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Since the ruling, several pleas challenging the decision have been filed by various entities, including the Ministry of Defence, the Intelligence Bureau, Pemra, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the MQM, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid, and Ijazul Haq, son of former military dictator Ziaul Haq. However, the IB and Pemra recently approached the Supreme Court to withdraw their review petitions, stating their lack of interest in pursuing the matter further.
During the review hearing, the federal government, represented by Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, stated its intention to withdraw its review petition without providing a specific reason. The Chief Justice raised concerns over the decision to withdraw the petitions and questioned the lack of a written application explaining the withdrawal.
The hearing was adjourned until November 1, with the court allowing respondents’ counsels to submit a written response by October 27. Noting the absence of all respondents during the hearing, the court provided them with another opportunity to appear.
In his remarks during the hearing, the Chief Justice emphasized the need for accountability and the importance of speaking the truth. He expressed disappointment in the withdrawal of the review pleas, stating that the court had considered the possibility of making a mistake in its verdict. The Chief Justice also highlighted the significance of fundamental rights in the development of the country.
The Chief Justice decided to keep the withdrawal pleas pending and requested anyone with concerns or opinions to submit them in writing. He also urged the Attorney General to reflect on why the review petitions had not been fixed for hearing earlier. The hearing addressed the concerns raised by various entities, including the IB, the defence ministry, Pemra, the PTI, and Rashid.
It is crucial to implement the Faizabad ruling to prevent future incidents. The Chief Justice’s observations highlight the need for accountability and the protection of fundamental rights in the country. The court will continue to consider the withdrawal pleas, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be heard.