In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court Orders has directed SP Supreme Court to arrest murder accused Ishaq and hand him over to jail authorities after rejecting his pre-arrest bail application.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, presided over the hearing of this long-standing murder case. During the proceedings, the justices expressed deep concern over the inefficiency and politicization of state institutions.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail’s Observations:
Justice Mandokhail highlighted the grim state of governance and justice in the country, remarking, “What is there to say about the state when three Prime Ministers have been assassinated? Nothing significant has come out of their cases. Even in Balochistan, a senior judge was killed, and yet, no conclusive outcomes were reached.”
He further criticized the poor investigation standards in Sindh and Punjab compared to other provinces, emphasizing the lack of genuine commitment to justice.
Justice Athar Minallah’s Remarks on State’s Role:
Justice Athar Minallah condemned the ongoing political interference in institutional operations, stating, “Since 2017, this case has been pending in the Supreme Court Orders. Meanwhile, the state is preoccupied with toppling or establishing governments. All institutions are engrossed in targeting political opponents instead of fulfilling their duties.”
He underscored the dire consequences of political engineering, asserting, “If the Constitution had been adhered to, such circumstances would not have arisen.”
A Stark Critique of Institutional Credibility:
The bench collectively voiced concerns over the public’s diminishing trust in institutions, with Justice Mandokhail noting, “People no longer trust institutions. They expect the Supreme Court Orders to take responsibility for everything.”
“Even this institution speaks as much truth as society permits,” Justice Minallah continued. Forty years later, the assassination of a Prime Minister was admitted. What could be a greater crime than the killing of a Prime Minister? Someone should have been held accountable and punished.”
Justice Shahzad Malik’s Perspective on Leadership Challenges:
Justice Shahzad Malik painted a grim picture of the plight of political leadership, saying, “In a country where Prime Ministers face such circumstances, what can be expected for the common man? One day, a Prime Minister is in the Prime Minister’s House, and the next, in jail. Nobody knows how long anyone will remain in office.”
Context of Ishaq’s Case:
It is pertinent to note that Ishaq, the accused in the murder case, had previously absconded after securing bail. His re-arrest signifies a critical step in a case that has lingered in the justice system for years.
A Call for Change:
This case serves as a reminder of the pressing need for institutional reform and adherence to constitutional principles. The remarks by the esteemed justices not only critique the current state but also provide a blueprint for addressing the systemic issues plaguing Pakistan’s justice and governance frameworks.
In Short:
- Although the situation seemed dire, the authorities took immediate action.
- Furthermore, public trust in institutions continues to waver significantly.
- Since reforms have been delayed, societal challenges have only intensified.
- Meanwhile, political turmoil has overshadowed critical governance issues.
- In addition, the judicial system struggles with prolonged case backlogs.
- However, some progress has been made in addressing institutional inefficiencies.
- Despite repeated warnings, systemic issues remain unresolved.
- Consequently, citizens demand stronger accountability from state bodies.
- On the other hand, political interference hampers effective law enforcement.
- Nevertheless, the judiciary remains a crucial pillar of democracy.
- While investigations proceed, delays undermine public confidence.
- Therefore, immediate reform is essential for restoring institutional credibility.
- Similarly, other regions face comparable governance challenges.
- Notably, the lack of resources contributes to investigation inefficiencies.
- Finally, collective efforts are required to bring about meaningful change.