SC takes notice of Faisal Vawda’s presser ‘targeting judges’

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has initiated a suo motu action in response to Senator Faisal Vawda’s recent press conference, which seemed to cast aspersions on certain judges.

Senator Vawda had previously expressed criticism towards the Islamabad High Court judges, suggesting that any attempts to sully the reputation of the army would be met with severe repercussions, metaphorically stating that such peoples’ turbans would be ‘turned into footballs.’

In a session held on Thursday, the Supreme Court, while deliberating on petitions challenging the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments, witnessed Justice Athar Minallah inquire of the Attorney General of Pakistan whether judges were being intimidated indirectly through proxies. “Are you going to turn turbans into footballs?” he questioned.

The Attorney General firmly responded, “No, such actions should not occur, and I do not endorse them.”

It has been reported that a three-member bench, presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, is scheduled to deliberate on the suo motu notice on Friday. The bench also includes Justice Irfan Saadat and Justice Naeem Akhtar.

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Senator Vawda, during his press briefing in Islamabad, remarked that despite writing to the Islamabad High Court 15 days ago, he has yet to receive a reply, which he asserted should be provided under Article 19-A.

Under Article 19-A, Vawda contended, every Pakistani has the right to seek information, yet even a senator like himself is left without answers, leading to growing uncertainty and speculation about the underlying reasons.

He highlighted that threats made a year ago are only now being brought forth, questioning why these concerns were not raised earlier. Merely making allegations is insufficient, he argued; concrete evidence must be presented to substantiate claims of interference.

“If you provide the evidence, we will support you,” he stated, “otherwise, if anyone tarnishes the reputation of our institutions, we will respond in kind. We will reciprocate love with love, but meet thuggery with equal force. It’s time to cease targeting institutions; without the army, Pakistan cannot stand. If there is alleged interference, evidence must be presented.”