PBC slams CJP Bandial over controversial decisions
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The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has chosen not to attend the dinner hosted by the Supreme Court in honor of outgoing Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial due to his decision not to hold a full court reference. PBC Vice-Chairman Haroon-ur-Rashid conveyed the council's concerns regarding the judicial flaws and merits in retiring Chief Justice's reference. He stated that since Chief Justice Bandial declined the full court reference, the PBC decided to protest by not participating in the dinner hosted in his honor by the judges.
Additionally, the PBC official highlighted that there are approximately 60,000 pending cases in the Supreme Court, and despite repeated reminders, there has been no transparent procedure established for their resolution. He expressed disappointment that Chief Justice Bandial had not met with PBC office-bearers despite their requests, and the PBC felt ignored as the apex body of lawyers in the country.
He complained that CJP Bandial never met the PBC office-bearers despite repeated requests.
The PBC official regretted that whenever his body sent a request for a meeting, the top judge replied that there was no need for it as he was in touch with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
He added that the PBC was ignored despite being the apex body of lawyers in the country.
The official hoped that the incoming Chief Justice would address these issues and pledged the PBC's support for the judiciary's honor and improvement. He also requested the incoming Chief Justice to allow lawyers to present their arguments fully and avoid making prejudiced remarks at the start of proceedings.
Critically, the PBC official accused the outgoing Chief Justice of making controversial decisions to satisfy his personal ego and failing to create consensus within the Supreme Court. He called for the implementation of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023 and pointed out inconsistencies in election-related orders.
In conclusion, the official expressed doubt that Chief Justice Bandial's decisions would be remembered positively in history and called on the incoming Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, to address pending complaints against judges in accordance with the Constitution.
