Amid a judiciary-executive standoff over the matter of holding polls to the Punjab Assembly within the stipulated time, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has said that it is not their choice but a duty to ensure polls within 90 days following the dissolution of the legislature since it is mandated by the Constitution.
Addressing a ceremony on minority rights in Lahore on Sunday, the chief justice also paid tribute to former top judge Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius.
Late Justice Cornelius from the minority Christian community served as the country’s chief justice from 1960 until 1968.
The CJP said the courts could not remain indifferent when it’s to constitutional enforcement.
The chief justice’s statement came as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government and the three-member bench led by the CJP hearing the Punjab polls delay case locked horns over the matter of holding elections within 90 days.
During the last hearing of the case on Friday, CJP Bandial made it clear that if the talks between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) failed then the Supreme Court would use the Constitution to implement its verdict of holding elections in Punjab on May 14.
In this regard, PTI Chairman Imran Khan also announced on Saturday that from next week his party would hold rallies every day till May 14 — when elections in Punjab are scheduled to be held on the Supreme Court’s order.
Addressing his party workers at the Lakshmi Chowk metro station in Lahore, Imran said: “It is the entire nation’s decision to stand with the Constitution and [against] the mafia which is putting pressure on [judges] and doing propaganda against the chief justice and other judges.”
Apparently referring to the ongoing judicial and political crisis, the chief justice without naming anyone said: “Please don’t say that you support us. I’m just one of the members of the Supreme Court.”
He went on to say the support should not be extended to the Supreme Court but instead to any individual “if you stand up for the law and the Constitution”.
The CJP said the protection of the Constitution is the fundamental responsibility of the Supreme Court and added that the court’s decision is final if it’s not challenged.
The chief justice also called for implementing the Constitution in letter and spirit saying “no excuses should be made”.
The top judge said the leaders, institutions and people of the country are determined to uphold the Constitution and added that political leaders were holding negotiations in this regard in a bid to break stalemate over holding elections in the country on the same day.
While responding to a question related to the audio leaks targeting politicians, judges and their families, the chief justice remarked: “You just say pray.”
He also signalled the reporter to stay quiet by putting a finger on his mouth.
