In a scathing letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, former prime minister Imran Khan has raised alarm over what he described as a “constitutional crisis” plaguing the politically volatile nation.
In a letter dated April 20, the jailed founding chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has underlined concerns regarding the rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution in Pakistan. Seventy-two-year-old Khan expressed deep regret over the decline in the state of the rule of law, asserting that the situation has led to the emergence of what he termed as the “law of the jungle.”
This letter comes as the administration of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested recommendations from judges of the IHC and subordinate judiciary by April 25 to address alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs. According to a report in Dawn newspaper, this request aligns with a Supreme Court directive issued in response to a letter from six IHC judges.
Founding Chairman Imran Khan writes to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, highlighting the grave state of affairs in the country, and reminds him of his responsibility to stay true to his oath and declared belief in the principles and values espoused by Pakistan’s founding fathers &… pic.twitter.com/hs0N1KJwGq— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 20, 2024
‘Law of the jungle’
The letter outlined seven pressing matters that Khan urged the Pakistan Chief Justice to address promptly. Among these concerns were allegations of misconduct by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), particularly in the handling of cases involving former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Khan accused NAB prosecutors of exhibiting bias and called for an inquiry into their conduct. Khan decried instances of alleged police brutality and military intervention, citing a recent incident in Bahawalnagar during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays as an example.
He slammed the judiciary for its “inaction” in response to such incidents, calling for a more proactive role in safeguarding citizens’ rights. Highlighting the alarming situation faced by members of the judiciary, Khan referenced a letter from six judges of the Islamabad High Court detailing instances of harassment and coercion by executive members, including intelligence operatives. He urged the Chief Justice to take decisive action to protect judicial independence and hold accountable those responsible for undermining it.
Khan also raised concerns about the fairness of recently held general elections, citing reports of manipulation and electoral fraud. He called for a thorough probe into these allegations and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles. Throughout the letter, the cricketer-turned-politician also invoked the legacy of Pakistan’s founding fathers and stressed the need for the judiciary to uphold the values enshrined in the constitution. He warned that failure to address the issues raised could exacerbate the constitutional crisis.
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