PTI Protest
Former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa was met with a large gathering of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters who staged a protest outside London’s prestigious Middle Temple on Tuesday night.
The protestors, numbering in the dozens, had gathered along Chancery Lane as the former CJP attended a significant event at the Middle Temple, following his recent departure from the highest judicial office in Pakistan.
The demonstration was spearheaded by PTI figures, including Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, a former special assistant to ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Maleeka Bokhari, a former member of the National Assembly (MNA).
The protest was aimed at condemning the decision of The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple to honor Isa by elevating him as a Callee and hosting him at a formal dinner. PTI supporters viewed the recognition as an affront, given the party’s long-standing grievances with the former chief justice.
A significant police presence was stationed around the entrance of the Middle Temple to ensure the safety of those attending the event. Meanwhile, protestors carrying placards shouted slogans denouncing Isa, accusing him of political bias and targeting their party.
Many held signs and voiced strong opposition to the former chief justice, echoing the PTI’s narrative that Isa had unfairly targeted their leadership during his tenure.
In his speech to the assembled crowd, Sayed Zulfi Bukhari reinforced these accusations, arguing that Isa’s rulings as chief justice were politically motivated and disproportionately aimed at the PTI and its leadership, particularly Imran Khan.
The former special assistant’s remarks were met with cheers from the protestors, who held Isa responsible for what they perceived as unjust legal proceedings against their party.
The protest also attracted attention from British lawyer Barrister Mark McDonald, who joined the demonstration to express his discontent with the Middle Temple’s decision to honor the former Pakistani chief justice.
McDonald criticized the prestigious legal institution, asserting that Isa’s invitation should never have been extended, given the controversial nature of his decisions in Pakistan.
The Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court in London, holds significant historical and legal importance. It is an esteemed legal institution that provides training to aspiring lawyers and grants them licenses to practice law.
The Inns of Court are responsible for overseeing legal education and fostering a professional environment for barristers.
Qazi Faez Isa, who studied law at the Middle Temple himself, became the first Pakistani judge to be elected as a Bencher of the institution—a highly respected position within the legal community. His father had also graduated from the same institution, adding to the personal significance of his association with the Middle Temple.
While the protest outside the event highlighted ongoing political tensions, Isa’s election as a Bencher and the recognition he received underscored his standing within the international legal community.
However, for PTI supporters, this accolade was seen as a provocative move, given the party’s ongoing disputes with Isa’s legal decisions during his time as Pakistan’s top judge.
