ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Friday reprimanded the caretaker government, stating that a “terrible system” is prevailing in the country as it questioned neutrality of the caretakers.
“A terrible system is prevailing in the country under the caretaker setup that even consultation for elections is not being allowed,” IHC judge Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked, raising doubts over the government’s intentions towards the conduct of the upcoming polls scheduled for February 8.
“Does the caretaker government want to derail the elections?” he posed a question. The query came during the hearing of a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gauhar Khan and other lawyers, seeking a meeting with the party’s founder Imran Khan in jail to discuss election-related issues.
The PTI lawyers argued before the court that the legal team wanted to consult Khan over award of tickets as polls approach.
The judge granted them permission to meet Khan for consultations ahead of the polls next year, subsequently disposing of the petition.
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The court, in its order, said the PTI founder should be allowed to meet the party’s chairman under the supervision of Adiala jail superintendent. “Allowing consultation for elections is a fundamental right,” the court ruled, adding that the party has the right to consult the founder over tickets. He also asked the caretaker government to remain neutral in the elections.
The court observed that opposition to the PTI founder and chairman’s consultation raises questions over the neutrality of the caretaker government. The additional attorney general and superintendent Adiala jail also appeared in the court during the hearing of the plea.
Both the attorney general and advocate general objected to the plea, inviting the court’s ire.
“Was the additional note from the Supreme Court not enough for you? After the Supreme Court, do you want me to write a note against you?” Justice Aurangzeb asked, reprimanding both the government representatives as he observed that the attorney general and advocate general office represent the caretaker government and must be impartial.
