Pak: Nawaz Sharif calls on SC to 'rethink' judgements after Maryam Nawaz pushes judiciary to focus on people's welfare

Jul 21, 2024

Islamabad [Pakistan], July 21 : Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President, Nawaz Sharif urged the Supreme Court judges to reconsider their decisions to better serve the masses, reported Dawn.
The PML-N Supremo was speaking at a Punjab government meeting on the solar programme alongside his daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where Nawaz Sharif referred to the apex court's ruling in the reserved seats case, urging the judiciary to focus on the welfare of the masses.
"Those making decisions, like the one in the reserved seats case, need to rethink as they must take care of people," he said.
The former prime minister recalled the Supreme Court's role in the Panama Papers case in 2017, which led to his removal from office after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan filed a petition, as reported by Dawn.
"A man (Imran Khan) roaming the roads was invited to the Supreme Court for justice, which ultimately led to my ousting. Why was this injustice done to the country?" Sharif questioned.
On the issue of soaring electricity bills, Sharif further acknowledged the financial burden on the populace.
"No one can pay the electricity bill; it has become a burden on everyone. By 2017, bills were lower, and so was the dollar rate. Since 2018, the poor have suffered greatly," he said, promising his party would take all possible measures to provide relief to citizens.
Nawaz Sharif has maintained a low profile since his party failed to secure a majority in the controversial February 8 polls, and his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, became prime minister. Recently, he reclaimed the PML-N presidency six years after losing it due to the Supreme Court's ruling in the Panama Papers case.
"The country is not being treated fairly," Sharif commented, hinting at alleged judicial biases. "We had said goodbye to the IMF, but everyone knows who brought it back."
Highlighting on his government's 2013-17 tenure, he said that the country was "prospering by leaps and bounds" during that time, reported Dawn.
The PML-N supremo remarks come a day after Maryam Nawaz launched a a scathing criticism on the eight judges of the 13-member Supreme Court bench that allowed the PTI to reclaim its seats in parliament and assemblies.
She further warned the judges of severe consequences for attempts to destabilise the country.
"The Supreme Court's decision (in the reserved seats case) is an attempt to destabilise the country. The judges who delivered this verdict have, in fact, sold their conscience," she alleged. "Decisions should be based on the law and the Constitution, not personal biases."
She warned, "I want to tell the judges of the Supreme Court, let this country function smoothly. We will not allow you to disrupt its progress. Anyone who attempts to derail development and create political instability will be dealt with firmly."