Pakistan SC Judges Resign Pre-National Elections

_{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.