Hamid Khan Warns of Protests Against Limiting Judiciary Powers in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan – Hamid Khan, a Senator from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, has issued a warning that the legal community will protest any attempts to restrict the judiciary’s powers. He made these remarks during a press conference at the Lahore High Court Bar Association.

Hamid Khan expressed concerns that the Pakistan government seems to be trying to limit the court’s powers. He was surprised by the rumors of a ‘constitutional package’ and emphasized that such packages are usually debated in parliament for months. He criticized the Pakistan parliament for not playing its role and mentioned that the Prime Minister is discussing the constitutional court.

He also regretted that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding reserved seats has not been implemented, calling it contempt of court and demanding action against those responsible. He warned against forming parallel courts to the Supreme Court and high courts and opposed the appointment of judges for new courts. He called for the notification of the new Chief Justice’s appointment.

Hamid Khan condemned the abolition of the contempt of court law, stating that those who do not implement court decisions are trying to remove this law. Meanwhile, Ishtiaq A Khan, President of the Insaf Lawyers’ Forum-Pakistan chapter, also reacted to the issue. He noted that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa used to talk about the sanctity of parliament but is not stopping new constitutional amendments. He alleged that the extension of the Chief Justice’s term is part of a ‘London plan.’