Justice Mandokhail Emphasizes Responsible Courtroom Language
Hamid Khan, senior counsel for PTI founder Imran Khan, came under scrutiny for his comments during a Supreme Court hearing on alleged electoral fraud in the 2024 general elections. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, part of the six-member bench, admonished Khan for describing the judiciary’s response as “weak,” urging him to maintain decorum in his remarks. “You are an experienced lawyer; choose your words wisely,” Justice Mandokhail advised.
The bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, opted to adjourn the hearing indefinitely, allowing time for the petitioner’s legal team to address procedural objections raised by the court’s registrar. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar further emphasized the need for thorough preparation, questioning the feasibility of labeling the entire election process as flawed. He suggested that specific inquiries for individual constituencies might be required.
Hamid Khan argued that the matter fell within the court’s jurisdiction under Article 184(3) of the Constitution. However, the bench stressed the importance of exhausting relevant forums before approaching the apex court. The additional time granted aims to facilitate the resolution of procedural hurdles.
PTI’s Plans to Contest Al-Qadir Trust Verdict
In a parallel development, PTI has announced its decision to challenge the high court’s verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which implicated Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The party’s appeal, scheduled for January 21, seeks to overturn what it describes as a politically motivated judgment.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram expressed optimism that the appeal would exonerate Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, calling the ruling a “gross miscarriage of justice.” The party’s core committee has also endorsed ongoing negotiations with the PML-N coalition, reflecting a dual strategy of legal and political engagement.
Keywords: Justice Mandokhail, Hamid Khan, Supreme Court, PTI, 2024 election fraud, Al-Qadir Trust case, Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, judiciary criticism.