ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court Umar Ata Bandial on Friday said the judiciary has no role in breaking a political impasse, urging the legislature, the executive and other state organs to play their part in upholding the rule of law and supremacy of the constitution.
The remarks, made by the chief justice at the 9th International Judicial Conference in Islamabad, come at a time when Pakistan is facing months of political uncertainty and as former prime minister Imran Khan plans to launch another anti-government drive.
Khan, who was ousted from power through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in April, has blamed his removal on a foreign conspiracy and is seeking snap elections in the country.
Experts believe the situation would further worsen the economic crisis facing the South Asian nation, which has resulted in widening the current account deficit, rupee’s depreciation and record inflation.
“The judiciary has no role to break a political deadlock. As with other citizens it is our sincere hope that the political leadership of the country shall take necessary corrective action and confidence-building measures with public and national interest as their foremost consideration,” Chief Justice Bandial said.
“A pure political impasse does not have legal solutions. It can only be resolved through dialogue between political leaders and their parties.”
The chief justice said the country could only make progress if all political parties came together to follow the established democratic practices and perform their respective roles in parliament, as specified under the constitution.
General elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held by October 2023, or less than 60 days from the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 13, 2023.
Ex-PM Khan has recently said he is willing to hold talks with the government, but only on one issue: early and transparent elections in the country.
However, PM Shebaz Sharif’s government has rejected the demand and said polls would be held next year, as per schedule.
