Khizar Niazi

Justice Athar Minallah’s remarks about Nawaz Sharifs’ survival until the court’s next hearing were not merely controversial but also emblematic of a judiciary, perceived as increasingly entangled in political machinations, and straying from impartiality. But, perhaps even more striking than his remarks was his action to open the Islamabad High Court (IHC) at midnight on […]

Pakistan’s judicial history is a treasure trove of astonishing decisions, extraordinary narratives and unmatched tales of judicial creativity, starting with Chief Justice Muhammad Munir right up to Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Even the most brilliant legal minds struggle to pinpoint the crown jewel of this dubious legacy. While there is no dearth of contentious […]

Pakistan’s judiciary’s selective application of justice has never been as blatant as in the case of Nawaz Sharif, who was granted unprecedented relief under the guise of a medical emergency that was never convincingly substantiated. With astonishing speed and unquestioning acceptance of dubious medical reports, the courts allowed a convict to flee, setting aside legal […]

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s judicial conduct has long been questioned for his apparent soft corner for the Sharifs. But if his perceived leniency towards them was concerning, his open hostility towards PTI and its leader, Imran Khan, has been more disturbing. Most notable amongst his “subjective” decisions against Khan was revocation of PTI’s electoral […]

Many, espousing causes of freedom and justice, quote an apocryphal anecdote, attributed to Winston Churchill (1874-1965). The British Prime Minister during WW II is said to have told a questioner that Britain wouldn’t lose the war if its judiciary was dispensing justice. This unconfirmed story is narrated to reinforce unwavering belief in the independence of […]

Pakistani judiciary’s controversial verdicts in several high-profile trials involving political figures have tarnished its image irreparably. However, not every ruling that it handed down was under duress. It has also been accused of partiality in cases involving high-profile political leaders. There are instances where judges are alleged to have deliberately over-stepped their bounds to rescue […]

Dear President Trump, I extend my heartiest congratulations on your remarkable electoral victory. Your ability to stage a historic comeback – despite overwhelming odds, a politically motivated crackdown on your supporters, and even an assassination attempt – is nothing short of extraordinary. Your resilience, determination, and energy have not only inspired millions of Americans but […]

The judiciary in a working democracy not only acts independently but also ensures checks and balances on other state organs, including the military. Unfortunately, however, Pakistan’s judiciary defies this cardinal principle. It has always been vulnerable to arm-twisting. It has traditionally succumbed to a combination of irresistible temptations and ruthless tactics, ranging from covert pressure […]

The Second Emergency continued to haunt President-General Pervez Musharraf for the rest of his life. On assuming office of the Prime Minister in 2013, Nawaz Sharif, the victim of Musharraf’s first strike, decided to “return the compliment”. A three-member Special Court, headed by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, known […]

In Zafar Ali Shah v/s General Pervez Musharraf (2000) case, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP), led by Chief Justice Irshad Hasan Khan, legitimized Musharraf’s coup conditionally, requiring him to restore democracy in the country in three years. Quite unexpectedly, however, 9/11 offered him a long lease of Pakistan’s Presidency, which he grabbed as a […]