Supreme Court being maligned via audio leaks: CJP Umar Ata Bandial

Supreme Court being maligned via audio leaks said CJP Umar Ata Bandial on Thursday.

The observation by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial was made while heading a two-member bench that heard a plea filed by former Lahore capital city police officer Ghulam Mehmood Dogar against his transfer.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also disposed of the appeal as it was taken back by the petitioner.

Dogar’s lawyer Abid Zuberi told the court that he wishes to take back the petition.

Following a series of leaked audios against judges, the CJP remarked. “The Supreme Court is a constitutional institution which is being maligned through audio tapes.”

He added that the apex court will work with patience to protect the institution.

“These audio tapes defaming constitutional institutions are of no importance. We are being patient and taking a lenient view of these tapes. We will protect the institution,” said the CJP.

CJP added that it was unfortunate that baseless and false allegations have been made against the judges in audio and video leaks.

“What is the authenticity of these audio and video tapes?” remarked CJP Bandial.

The top court further mentioned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as a constitutional institution and added that it will be protected too, stressing the transparency of the democratic process.

Chief Justice of Pakistan also remarked that the words of the Supreme Court are frequently tweaked.

Audio Leaks Saga:

Two alleged clips ascribed to former chief minister Punjab and Pervaiz Elahi were the first to ignite the controversy that went viral in which they discussed the investigation, bringing the judiciary under the question mark.

Another audio clip allegedly featuring Yasmin Rashid and Ghulam Mahmood Dogar then surfaced on social media where the latter admitted having his man at the top court.

The third alleged conversation went viral featuring a conversation between PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry and his brother Faisal leaving Pakistan’s judicial system under serious pressure.