SC issues notice to PM for attending PTI lawyers’ convention

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan for attending a recently-held convention of the Insaf Lawyers Forum – a wing of the ruling party – and sent the matter to Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed for taking suo motu notice and forming a bench for the purpose.

Justice Faez Isa passed these orders as he was hearing a civil case where the Punjab advocate general failed to appear in person although he too attended the PTI lawyers’ meeting, which angered the senior judge.

“Does the advocate general represent the entire province or a party? Does the prime minister represent the whole country or some party?” Justice Faez remarked. 

“Why the prime minister is using state resources [for the lawyers’ wing convention],” the Supreme Court judge questioned and added that Imran supported a particular group of lawyers.

Raising the question whether the prime minister can attend the convention of lawyers supporting a particular party, he observed that it was a matter of interpreting the Constitution and human rights.

“If the prime minister can attending a gathering of lawyers then is a judge too allowed to participate in an event organised by a political party,” Justice Faez posed another question.

On the other hand, the apex court judge said, the Punjab advocate general was also present in the event which had nothing to do with his responsibilities.  

Later, the matter was adjourned for an indefinite period as the court issued notices to the attorney general, Punjab advocate general and the Jinnah Convention Centre Islamabad where the event was held.

The prime minister had attended a gathering of the lawyers associated with his party last week where he delivered a speech mainly focused on the opposition while describing himself as “I am democracy”.