What did Imran Khan say in his letter to CJP Isa?
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As Pakistan approaches the 2024 general elections, Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa to ensure a level playing field for his party before the anticipated polls on February 8 next year.
Despite being incarcerated in Adiala jail, the former prime minister, in a letter, expressed concerns about the "discrimination" faced by PTI and sought equal opportunities for the party's political campaign. Khan urged the CJP to use constitutional authority to direct federal and provincial governments, along with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), to permit PTI to hold political meetings and gatherings without "discrimination."
The deposed prime minister, ousted via a no-trust motion in April last year, stated in the letter that PTI leaders and activists are being targeted with multiple criminal cases as a tactic of abuse and oppression. He emphasized that individuals bailed out in one or more cases are immediately booked in further cases, often related to events several months in the past.
The letter highlighted the continued imprisonment of several women arrested in connection with the May 9 events. The letter drew the CJP's attention to PTI's petitions in provincial high courts against arrests and cases in "undisclosed" FIRs, but unfavorable observations by an apex court bench hindered the high courts from preserving the rights of PTI leaders and activists to liberty.
He said that the actions "favouring one set of political actors" and against PTI were breeding disgust in people, including the PTI supporters.
“In view of the foregoing, it is respectfully prayed that the apex court of the country may kindly exercise the power available to it to ensure the enforcement of fundamental rights and to grant to the people of Pakistan justice by making, inter alia, the following orders:”
The former premier, incarcerated in Adiala jail in a cipher and corruption case, emphasized the need for the apex court's intervention to halt widespread arrests and abductions for fair general elections. Khan pointed out actions "favoring one set of political actors" and against PTI, breeding discontent among the people, including PTI supporters.
The letter drew the CJP's attention towards the PTI's petitions that moved the provincial high courts against such arrests and registration of cases in “undisclosed” FIRs but “the unfavourable observations of a bench of the apex court” disabled the high courts from preserving the PTI leaders and activists’ right to liberty.
"However, the unfavourable observations of a bench of the apex court against the salutary safeguard provided by the respective high courts has disabled the high courts from acting to preserve the right to liberty and due process available to the people of Pakistan, inclusive of the supporters of the PTI. Following the observations of the apex court a fresh wave of state operation has swept across the provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Islamabad capital territory."
“This is a situation that demands judicial notice and immediate consideration by the apex court”.
The letter also shed light on the disappearances of the individuals affiliated to the PTI or the past government led by the party, and their disassociation with the party later at some point.
“These persons have re-appeared and made press conferences that are clearly tutored”.
The PTI chief stated that there was no possibility of fair general elections without SC’s intervention to stop the widespread arrests and abductions.
The letter respectfully requested the apex court to halt arrests and FIR registrations against bailed-out individuals and establish a commission to investigate abductions and disappearances. Additionally, it urged the court to direct the federal government and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to ensure unbiased media coverage for all political parties and their leaders.
