Dissatisfied with the performance of the judiciary, Chief Justice Aamir Farooq Sanctioned a hearing on delays in resolving Rafiqat Tanoli’s case, whose son Shaqeel Tanoli died in a road accident in 2022. The court granted bail to Islamabad Police persons arrested under Section 156A law defaulters and ordered that all action be taken as dictated by instructions from the central case.
Criticism of the Justice System and Right to Protest Chief Justice
He also pointed out that the criminal justice system had not collected challans for the past two years. He offered his opinion, “If the law is equal for all, show equality”, questioning how they treat non-protesting individuals. Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Ali Naseer Zaidi, Attorney General Islamabad, and SHO Court were present.
Controversy over Car Ownership Chief Justice
While addressing a press conference, Chairman Abdul Sami Khan noted that APPDA must disengage from future strikes, which left many visitors stranded in northern areas such as Malakand, Swat, and Hazara Districts due to the effects of the strike. He mentioned opposition against his leadership by the government and intimidation tactics. Outrightly, he clarified that “while this strike has temporarily abated because of these factors, our demands stay unaltered, fueled by fear that there may be state support for smuggling.”
Withdrawal of Advance Tax and Acknowledgments
The government released a notification exempting advance tax leading Nauman Butt, FBR Chairman, Secretary Petroleum, and OGRA Chairperson to appreciate their response to the strike situation amicably resolved. However, among these resolutions, Chairman Sami Khan’s group broke peace.
Challenges and Police Negotiations
During an hour-long negotiation session, police talked with one thousand protestors. While passing comments about them, Chief Justice said, “We took an oath, so did the police”. Counsel for the applicant protested, saying, ”Police did not close statement regarding Rafiqat Tanoli”. SHO Court noted, “Rafiqat Tanoli did not come to close the statement”. Chief Justice commented,” Police closed the statement so that nothing happened; now close the statement.
