CJP takes strong exception to PM Imran’s judiciary-related statement

In a scathing rejoinder to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent statements on the country’s judiciary, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Asif Saeed Khosa on Wednesday said it was the federal government that allowed ailing former premier Nawaz Sharif to go abroad for medical treatment.

“The Lahore High Court only settled the modalities of the matter,” the CJP said in reference to PM Imran’s statements wherein he urged Justice Khosa and his successor to restore the public’s trust in Pakistan’s judicial system
Addressing a ceremony at the Supreme Court, CJP Khosa said he would not comment on the removal of Nawaz Sharif’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) because the case was still pending in court.
He urged PM Imran to refrain from statements alluding to the judiciary’s powers. “The prime minister is the elected chief executive. We respect his position but no one should taunt us about our powers,” said CJP Khosa.
“This Supreme Court has convicted two prime ministers and is going to soon decide the case of a former army chief. This is a new judiciary since its restoration in March 2009 and we will act in accordance with the law.”
The CJP also opposed the PM’s statements about the functioning of the country’s judicial system. “Everyone should know that the judges are working hard but no one is perfect,” said Justice Khosa.
“A total of 3,000 judges handled 36 million cases and disposed of cases that had been pending for 25 years despite limited available resources.”
The chief justice welcomed PM Imran’s offer to provide extra resources to the judiciary and said such measures would go a long wa