Islamabad (Web Desk): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday observed that the Supreme Court is a constitutional institution which is being maligned via audio tapes.
“The Supreme Court is a constitutional institution which is being maligned through audio tapes,” the CJP said, adding that “what is the authenticity of these audio and video tapes?”
“These audio tapes defaming constitutional institutions are of no importance. We are being patient and taking a lenient view of these tapes. We will protect the institution,” said the CJP. He added that it was unfortunate that baseless and false allegations have been made against the judges in audio and video leaks.
The CJP made the observation as a three-judge SC bench resumed hearing the petition against the transfer of Ghulam Mahmood Dogar as the Lahore capital city police officer (CCPO).
The top court also dismissed the appeal against the transfer of CCPO Lahore following it was withdrawn by the petitioner. The CJP noted that “as per Article 218, the Election Commission of Pakistan uses the power of transfer to ensure fair election”.
CJP Bandial observed that the Election Commission of Pakistan can issue orders to the caretaker government to transfer officials. He said that the “ECP” is a constitutional institution that “we will protect”, saying that “if there is malpractice in transparent polls, we will intervene”.