LAHORE: Senior lawyer and PTI Senator Hamid Khan on Friday said the Supreme Court’s decision allowing military trials of civilians has proved that there is no independent judiciary in the country.

“The chief justice has been rendered powerless. For the first time in history, we are witnessing a situation where the chief justice cannot even form a bench,” he said, speaking at a press conference here.

He alleged that there was currently no functioning judicial system in the country. He said the ‘oppression and injustices’ happening in the country must end immediately.

The opposition senator said only an independent judiciary can improve the situation and deliver justice to the people.

Referring to incarcerated PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, he said the nation cannot counter external threats effectively unless the country’s “most popular political leader” is a part of any negotiations.

He also demanded immediate reversal of the 26thconstitutional amendment, stating that the destruction it caused must be urgently undone.

On the occasion, Lahore High Court Bar Association President Asif Nissoana condemned India’s cowardly nature and said the legal community denounced the Indian aggression against Pakistan.

He said, “Our response should not just be defensive; we should also target terrorist camps in India.”

He demanded that the government release the PTI founding chairman and consult with the opposition on the prevailing war-like situation, condemning India’s unilateral withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan Bar Council member Ishtiaq A Khan said it was imperative that the nation stood united to confront any external threats with strength and clarity.

He demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan, saying the voice of the PTI founding chairman must be part of the national dialogue and strategy.

Lahore Bar Association’s President Mubashir Rehman also demanded the release of all political prisoners, stating that the country was going through a critical period and the role of the opposition was vital.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2025