Power Struggles and Judicial Battles: Pakistan's Political Crossroads - News Update-26-Sept.

 As of September 2024, Pakistan is witnessing a complex and rapidly evolving political scenario. Multiple developments are converging, allowing us to analyze the broader implications and foresee the potential trajectory of the situation.

Central to the current events is the aggressive move by the Sharif-Zardari-Asim regime to introduce a constitutional package that would divide Pakistan's Supreme Court, create a Federal Constitutional Court, and bring all high courts under its control. This effort has already influenced courts like the Lahore and Sindh High Courts, where cases concerning the Practice and Procedure Ordinance have been delayed. The regime's primary challenge lies with the Peshawar and Islamabad High Courts, especially the latter, which remains outside their control.

A pivotal moment is expected on September 30, when Justice Qazi Faiz Isa will head a bench to reverse the interpretation of Article 63A and allow horse-trading. This article was previously modified by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial in May 2022, a decision that prevented political horse-trading. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact the ongoing power struggle.

Imran Khan has called for a protest on Constitution Avenue, urging lawyers and the public to support the Supreme Court. This gathering is intended to demonstrate opposition to the regime's attempts to weaken the judiciary. Khan’s call reflects growing tensions within the Supreme Court, where a factional divide exists between eight judges led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the incoming Chief Justice, and five judges, including Qazi Faiz Isa.

Khan's opposition to the regime's actions has sparked heightened political activity, with Imran Khans's sister Alima Khan stressing the importance of upcoming gatherings, such as the one scheduled for September 28 in Rawalpindi. This meeting is expected to show solidarity with the judiciary and build momentum for the broader movement. Imran Khan is pushing his supporters to stand up for the judiciary, emphasizing that its protection is vital for ensuring justice in Pakistan.

Amid these political maneuvers, Ali Amin Gandapur, the CM of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has pledged his support to Khan, making bold claims in speeches and urging the public to mobilize. The success of the upcoming protest will be measured not only by attendance but by how much public mobilization is visible across the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, and how the media covers the event.

On the other hand, Sharif-Zardari-Asim's regime’s attempt to control the courts through the constitutional package could have far-reaching consequences, potentially altering Pakistan's legal and political structure. Imran Khan's political struggle is positioned within the state's legal framework, and he continues to inspire the public by providing a vision of a better future. His government made strides in economic and social reforms, such as improving exports and launching programs like health cards for the poor. However, the current regime has transformed the political struggle into a different battle, destabilizing the very structure within which political parties operate.

A significant shift in Pakistan's military dynamic has also taken place. With the BJP's 2019 move to abolish Article 370 and settle the Kashmir issue, Pakistan’s military narrative has been disrupted. The army, which has long justified its substantial budget and manpower by maintaining a state of conflict with India, now faces a new reality. As tensions with India have diminished, the military has turned its attention to internal matters, such as the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, to justify its presence and budget.

In recent days, a video of Justice Qazi Faiz Isa has gone viral, in which he was verbally assaulted by a young man at a bakery. The incident, where the man cursed Isa, sparked widespread controversy. Fawad Chaudhry, a former Information Minister, called for the man’s arrest, labeling him an extremist. However, this call for arrest has also drawn criticism, with some arguing that Chaudhry’s reaction was extreme and unwarranted.

Adding to the political drama, prominent figures like columnist Orya Maqbool Jan, who was reportedly detained for his opposition to Qazi Faiz Isa, remain imprisoned. Despite Chaudhry’s demands, the young man involved in the bakery incident has not been arrested, further complicating the situation.

Pakistan's political landscape continues to be deeply divided, with growing uncertainty about the future of its judiciary, political parties, and military. As Imran Khan rallies his supporters and the regime tightens its grip on the courts, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the country's governance and legal structure.