Chief Justice Isa Criticizes NAB Amendments Case Proceedings

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa recently expressed apprehensions regarding the extended duration of the NAB amendments case during a hearing. The case, which involves appeals by federal and provincial governments against NAB amendments, was presided over by a five-member bench led by Chief Justice Isa. Notably, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), participated via video link from jail but did not speak during the two-and-a-half-hour session.

Chief Justice Isa criticized the reliance on ordinances for governance, stating that it could weaken democracy by imposing the will of a single individual on the entire nation. He also questioned the lack of detailed justifications accompanying these ordinances.

Despite Imran Khan's desire to present arguments in person, he was only permitted to do so via video link from Adiala Jail. The court, after verifying the video link connection, adjourned the hearing indefinitely, directing Khan to appear via video link in the subsequent session.

The government's counsel contended that the NAB amendments case had been pending in the Islamabad High Court, leading to a discussion on the case's protracted proceedings. Chief Justice Isa raised concerns about the necessity of 53 hearings on the matter and highlighted its political nature.

The government's lawyer emphasized the political implications of the case, suggesting that such disputes should be resolved through the legislative framework rather than judicial intervention. Chief Justice Isa echoed this sentiment, stressing the significance of upholding democratic processes.

The NAB amendments case, with its intricate legal and political dimensions, continues to be a subject of scrutiny before the judiciary. Chief Justice Isa's remarks underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles in governance and legal proceedings.