Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has submitted a written response to the Supreme Court, requesting Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s recusal from his cases. Khan cited the need to uphold the principle of impartiality and unbias-ness in the interest of justice. This development comes in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendment case, where the SC has reserved its verdict on the federal and provincial governments’ pleas challenging the apex court’s September 15 judgment.
Khan’s request is rooted in a contentious history with CJP Isa, dating back to 2019 when Khan’s government filed a presidential reference against the chief justice for allegedly owning properties abroad under his family members’ names. The reference was dismissed by a 10-member larger bench headed by then-Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Khan has since admitted that filing the reference was a “mistake”.
The PTI founder’s submission seeks to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process, given the past conflicts with CJP Isa. The Supreme Court’s decision on Khan’s request and the NAB amendment case will be closely watched, as it may have significant implications for the country’s political landscape.
