Islamabad (Web Desk): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Tuesday said that his remark “good to see you Imran Khan” carried no political implication clarifying that he greeted everyone this way because “respect and courtesy” were necessary.
Justice Bandial's remarks come a day after the ruling coalition's the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) - sit-in outside the Supreme Court (SC) protesting the CJPs alleged preferential treatment to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan.
The CJP had exchanged greetings with Khan by saying “good to see you” during the PTI chief's appearance before the top court on May 11.
The top judge's friendly greeting to the PTI chief added fuel to the government’s claims that the benevolence of members of the Supreme Court was limited to Imran Khan. It generated a wave of criticism, including from PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif.
Giving a clarification on his demeanour, CJP Bandial, during a case hearing today, addressed lawyer Asghar Sabzwari by saying “good to see you” as the latter appeared before the chief justice after a long break.
CJP Bandial said that he is being criticised for greeting Khan in the same manner; however, he uses this phrase often".
“I hold everyone in high esteem as respect and courteousness are important for everybody,” CJP Bandial remarked, adding, "Without these two aspects, there is no fun".
“I show everyone respect,” the chief justice said. “Respect and courtesy are necessary for everyone,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other politicians had criticised the CJP justice for his remarks.