Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Senator Ali Zafer has stated that if the Asma Jahangir Group wins the Supreme Court Bar elections, it would create the impression that senior lawyers have accepted the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
While appearing on Aaj News’ programme Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir via video link, he claimed that the victory of the Asma Jahangir Group, as opposed to the Hamid Khan Group, would complicate the lawyers’ movement against the amendment even further.
Zafar also refuted the number provided by PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat regarding dissenting members, saying: “The number 21 might not be accurate, but there were certainly enough individuals who were prepared to vote, and we were informed that they might vote in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.”
He added that those who cast their votes would certainly be disqualified, as outlined in Article 63(A), and action would be taken against them.
For those who did not vote, he mentioned that they had received show-cause notices. “If their explanations are not deemed acceptable, they may face expulsion from the party.”
In response to a question, Zafer stated that the release of Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi “is not part of any deal.”
He added that Khan currently has only two remaining cases: Toshakhana and Al-Qadir. A petition has also been submitted in the Islamabad High Court regarding the dismissal of the case, he added
According to Zafar, there were a couple of “baseless cases” from October in Lahore, for which bail would likely be granted.
He claimed that challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment before the same bench that was established as a result of this amendment could pose significant issues, as it would imply that the bench is unconstitutional. Zafar added that consultations were ongoing and a decision would be made on whether to challenge the amendment.
Regarding attempts to introduce the 27th and 28th amendments, Zafer confirmed that discussions would take place with the government concerning the amendment aimed at repealing the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
