ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed dismay over the report submitted by an inquiry commission tasked with investigating the 2017 Faizabad sit-in by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), suggesting that the commission appeared oblivious to its responsibilities.
He also commented that had the decision regarding the Faizabad sit-in been executed, the May 9 incident could have been averted.
According to Dawn, the remarks arose during a Supreme Court bench hearing review petitions against the court’s 2019 judgment on the Faizabad sit-in case. The bench, comprising Justices Isa, Irfan Saadat Khan, and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, presided over the session, broadcast live on the Supreme Court’s digital platforms.
Authored by Justice Isa in 2019, the judgment directed the defence ministry and tri-services chiefs to penalise personnel violating their oath, and the federal government to monitor and prosecute those advocating hate, extremism, and terrorism.
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Various government departments faced criticism for public inconvenience during the 20-day sit-in, leading to appeals against the verdict by entities such as the defense ministry, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and others. Most of these appeals were later withdrawn.
During the hearing, CJP Faez questioned the report’s validity and the absence of testimonies from TLP members. He highlighted discrepancies, indicating confusion regarding the responsibilities of intelligence agencies and the Punjab government during the sit-in.
The commission’s report, critiqued for overlooking TLP workers’ testimonies, prompted the CJP to question the purpose of forming the commission. He emphasized the importance of thorough investigation and accountability.
The hearing revealed contradictions within the commission’s report and raised concerns about its adherence to Terms of Reference (ToRs). Justice Isa underscored the need for comprehensive and unbiased reporting to effectively address the Faizabad sit-in aftermath.
