State busy in toppling and forming govts: SC judge

In a scathing criticism of the state institutions' involvement in political matters, senior judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan expressed their dismay over the state of affairs during the hearing of a murder suspect's bail petition on Friday.

The case, which has been pending in the Supreme Court since 2017, concerns the murder of a prime minister, and the accused, Ishaq, remains at large after securing bail.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, along with Justices Athar Minallah and Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, reprimanded the state for its involvement in "political engineering" instead of focusing on its constitutional responsibilities.

Justice Minallah highlighted the lack of progress in the case, stating, "[…] while the state is busy toppling and forming a government, all institutions are chasing political opponents. This situation would be different if the Constitution is implemented."

Justice Mandokhail also expressed concern over the performance of state institutions, questioning the lack of action following the assassination of three prime ministers and the killing of a senior judge in Balochistan.

He criticised the "unwillingness" of institutions to act and pointed to the deplorable state of police prosecution in Sindh and Punjab.

The judges lamented the lack of public trust in institutions and the expectation that the Supreme Court would solve all the country’s problems.

Justice Minallah, reflecting on the case of the murdered prime minister, noted that it took 40 years for the crime to be admitted, calling it one of the most significant injustices.

Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan also highlighted the instability in the country, questioning what fate awaited the common citizen in a country where prime ministers could go from office to jail.

He pointed out the uncertainty surrounding the tenure of political leaders.

The Supreme Court directed the police to arrest Ishaq, the murder suspect, and transfer him to jail officials.