The Supreme Court of Pakistan's detailed verdict on reserved seats has sparked controversy, with legal experts suggesting potential bias favoring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This perception gained traction following recent statements by PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja.
In a televised interview, Raja claimed that Justice Athar Minallah had asked him if he would object to the court awarding reserved seats to PTI. This revelation has led to increased scrutiny of the judiciary's impartiality in politically sensitive cases.
Legal analysts have pointed out that amendments to Sections 66 and 104 of the Election Act may render the Supreme Court's order non-implementable. They argue that this situation, combined with Raja's statements, suggests a departure from strict constitutional interpretation in favor of political considerations.
The controversy has reignited debates about the perceived political leanings of certain judges. Critics argue that if a judge's decision can be predicted based on their identity, it undermines the principle of impartial justice.
As of now, Justice Minallah has not publicly addressed Raja's claims. Legal observers are calling for clarification, noting that such allegations, if left unaddressed, could further erode public trust in the judiciary.
The situation continues to evolve, with many in the legal community awaiting a response from the court or the judge in question.