ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has stated that the judiciary is now fighting for its survival in the face of a changing political landscape, rather than defending the interests of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. In a discussion with Dunya News, he suggested that the judiciary feels under pressure from the government and institutions like the police and NAB, who are perceived as attempting to exert control over the judiciary.
Chaudhry expressed hope that those involved in the campaign against Azma Bukhari would face consequences. He criticized political figures like Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, suggesting they are aligning themselves with forces that have historically supported martial law.
He also highlighted concerns about the Supreme Court’s capacity, noting that the number of judges has increased from 13 to 17 due to one judge’s preference, and pointed out the significant backlog of 56,000 cases as evidence of systemic issues within the justice system. He called for a strengthening of session courts and lower courts to address these challenges.
Chaudhry urged the government to reflect on what transpired in court, emphasizing the importance of presenting accurate evidence for judicial decisions. He argued that remand should be used to present the accused before a judge and questioned the utility of remand if the accused is not physically present.
Overall, Chaudhry’s remarks underscore his concerns about the current state of the judiciary and its ability to function effectively amid political pressures and institutional challenges.,
