On Monday, PMLN leader Maryam Nawaz demanded the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s resignation, stating that the nation is going to hold him accountable. Speaking to PDM protesters outside the Supreme Court, she asserted that the PDM ruling party did not want to hold a sit-in outside the court as it respected the Constitution and judges. Maryam claimed that the country’s progress and destruction were related to the Supreme Court’s decisions, blaming the court for the country’s ruin.
However, she clarified that her criticism was not directed at the judges but at those in the top court “facilitating” PTI chief Imran Khan. Speaking to Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, she asked whether he was happy with the crowd gathered outside and said that it was the judiciary’s duty to hold accountable the individuals promoting chaos and anarchy.
Previously, Pakistan had witnessed violent protests following Khan’s arrest. Maryam criticized the judiciary for impeaching elected prime ministers before and stated that the parliament’s supremacy was not upheld. She blamed the Chief Justice and Khan for the country’s widespread anarchy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Democratic Movement President Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced the end of the sit-in, stating that he would continue the struggle for the supremacy of the Constitution while respecting the judiciary. He emphasized that both sides must receive equal attention for justice to be served.
Separately, the National Assembly passed a motion seeking the formation of a special committee under Article 209 of the Constitution to file a reference against the Chief Justice and judges with the Supreme Judicial Council for their misconduct and divergence from their oath. The motion stated that any apex court judge could be held accountable for misconduct and other available information against them.
The House adopted two separate resolutions supporting the armed forces and security agencies while condemning violent acts and attacks on state buildings and installations. The resolutions called for impartial investigations, swift action, and severe punishment against the perpetrators regardless of their political affiliation. The House also denounced baseless allegations against defense institutions and expressed worries about the recent Supreme Court decisions that undermine the institution’s credibility and impartiality.