The Islamabad High Court has taken significant actions in response to the Election Commission’s decision on June 10 regarding changes to the Election Tribunal in Islamabad.
Firstly, the court has suspended this decision. Secondly, it has issued a show-cause notice to Member of National Assembly (MNA) Anjum Aqeel Khan.
During the court proceedings, Chief Justice Justice Aamer Farooq expressed dissatisfaction with remarks made by Anjum Aqeel, specifically questioning him about the term “nepotism.”
When Aqeel apologized, Justice Aamer Farooq instructed him not to apologize but rather to clarify the words he had used against the judge.
Justice Farooq also criticized the government for issuing an ordinance overnight, which resulted in cases being transferred abruptly. He suggested that such transfers might have been influenced by Aqeel’s recommendations, implying potential undue influence.
In response to the derogatory language used by MNA Anjum Aqeel in his petition filed with the Election Commission, the IHC has not only suspended the Election Commission’s decision but has also initiated contempt proceedings by issuing a show-cause notice. This notice requires Aqeel to justify his comments against the judge.
The court’s actions underscore its commitment to upholding judicial integrity and impartiality, particularly in matters concerning electoral processes and the administration of justice. The suspension of the Election Commission’s decision reflects the court’s scrutiny of executive actions that may affect judicial independence or due process.
