Post by : Dr. Amrinder Singh
Amid mounting fears of a judicial divide ahead of the upcoming election, two judges have stepped down from Pakistan's Supreme Court this week. The resignations, taking place in the capital, Islamabad, intensify concerns about the state of the judiciary in the lead-up to next month's crucial election. © Aamir QURESHI / AFP/File
In Islamabad, the acceptance of a second judge's resignation from Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday raises concerns about a growing judicial divide as the country approaches general elections scheduled for February 8. The election landscape is marred by minimal campaigning, overshadowed by a multitude of court cases challenging candidates' eligibility and election symbols.
Amidst these challenges, rights groups express concerns about the credibility of the upcoming elections, accusing the powerful military of attempting to influence the vote. The resignations of Judges Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Muhammad Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi have sparked speculation, as both have previously issued rulings perceived as unfavorable to political heavyweight Nawaz Sharif, believed to be the frontrunner due to his support from the military.
While neither judge provided a reason for stepping down, legal experts and observers fear a purge within the Supreme Court. Anwar Mansoor Khan, a former attorney general and high court judge, deems it a "bad omen for Pakistan's judiciary," attributing the resignations to political pressures.
Lawyer Faisal Sidiqqi voices concerns about a broader objective to silence dissenting judicial voices, emphasizing that "no judge is safe now." The resignation of Ul Ahsan, next in line to be Chief Justice, follows Naqvi's departure amid misconduct allegations and a rejected appeal for an investigation into his affairs.
Ul Ahsan, known for decisions deemed unfavorable to Nawaz Sharif, recently overturned a lifetime ban on the three-time premier's political activities. Sharif, backed by the military, is considered the election frontrunner, competing against opposition leader Imran Khan, who faces legal challenges and alleges a military conspiracy against him.
Khan, barred from contesting due to a graft conviction, contends that his legal troubles are orchestrated by the military to hinder his return to power. His party is embroiled in a court battle over the use of a cricket bat as their election symbol, a matter crucial in a country with a literacy rate of 58 percent.
The upcoming elections, delayed from November, unfold against a backdrop of overlapping political, economic, and security crises in the nuclear-armed nation. Factors such as rising militancy, a devalued rupee, and a cost-of-living crisis further complicate the electoral landscape. Sharif's return from exile and the dissolution of his convictions in the courts signal his favor with the military, making him a prominent candidate for a historic fourth term as prime minister.
US Stocks Slide as AI Fears, Inflation and Oil Surge Weigh
US stocks dropped as AI disruption fears hit tech firms, inflation rose above forecasts, and oil pri
Pacific Prime Wins Top Honors at Cigna Awards 2026
Pacific Prime secured Top Individual Broker and Top SME Broker awards at Cigna’s Annual Broker Award
QatarEnergy Halts LNG Output After Military Attack
QatarEnergy has stopped LNG production after military attacks hit its facilities in Ras Laffan and M
Strong 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits West Sumatra, No Damage
A 6.1 earthquake struck off West Sumatra, Indonesia. No casualties, damage, or tsunami alert reporte
Saudi Confirms Drone Strike on US Embassy Riyadh
Two drones hit the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a small fire and minor damage. No injuries were rep
UAE Restarts Limited Flights as Regional Airspace Disruptions Continue
UAE restarts limited flights from Dubai as US-Israel attacks on Iran disrupt regional airspace, forc
Asia Faces Energy Shock After Iran Closes Strait
Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz amid US-Israel strikes, sending oil prices higher and raising serious en
Bank of Baroda Faces Abu Dhabi Legal Battle over NMC Collapse
Bank of Baroda’s involvement in Abu Dhabi litigation tied to the NMC Healthcare collapse raises repu
Top Museum Openings of 2026 Set to Transform Global Tourism
From Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi and Brussels, 2026 brings major museum launches—Lucas Museum, Guggenhe
UAE Tour Highlights UAE’s Strength in Hosting Global Sports Events
Abu Dhabi Sports Council says the successful UAE Tour reflects the UAE’s leading role in hosting maj
EU Seeks Clarity from US After Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling
European Commission urges full transparency from the US on steps after Supreme Court ruling, emphasi
SpaceX Launches 53 New Satellites for Expanding Starlink Network
SpaceX launches 53 Starlink satellites in two Falcon 9 missions, breaking reuse records and expandin
RTA Awards Contract for Phase II of Hessa Street Upgrade in Dubai
Phase II of Hessa Street Development to add bridges, tunnel, and upgraded intersections, doubling ca
UAE Gold Prices Today, Monday 16 February 2026: Dubai & Abu Dhabi Updated Rates
Gold prices in UAE on 16 Feb 2026 updated: 24K around AED 599.75/gm, 22K AED 555.25/gm, and 18K AED
Over 25 Ahmedabad Schools Receive Bomb Threat Email, Authorities Investigate
More than 25 schools in Ahmedabad evacuated after bomb threat emails mentioning Khalistan. Authoriti