Islamabad, December 10, 2024: The Supreme Court (SC) constitutional bench on Tuesday accepted former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s plea for forming a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9. Addressing objections raised by the Registrar’s Office, the court admitted the petition and scheduled it for a formal hearing.
The seven-member bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, included Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Shahid Bilal Hassan. Imran Khan was represented by senior PTI leader and lawyer Hamid Khan.
During the proceedings, Advocate Hamid Khan argued that Pakistan was effectively under an “undeclared Martial Law,” alleging that authorities were unwilling to investigate the May 9 incidents and that the military was repeatedly called upon to manage the situation.
Justice Mandokhail cautioned against making broad statements about Martial Law, while Justice Mazhar suggested challenging Article 245 of the Constitution, which permits the deployment of the army. Hamid Khan countered that the numerous FIRs lodged after May 9 demonstrated deliberate targeting of PTI and called the matter one of national importance.
Justice Aminuddin Khan overruled the Registrar’s objections, allowing the case to proceed.
During the session, Justice Aminuddin questioned whether the federal government was serious about pursuing a contempt petition against Imran Khan related to his alleged violation of court orders during the May 25, 2022, long march. Additional Attorney General (AAG) Amir Rehman confirmed the government’s intent, asserting that the PTI founder had disobeyed a court directive.
Justice Aminuddin noted that if the court issued a notice, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated, would need to appear in person. He instructed the AAG to assess the logistics for presenting the detained PTI leader before the court.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail emphasized that contempt proceedings are strictly between the court and the accused, urging restraint and objectivity from all parties.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja informed the court that Imran Khan had already submitted a response, arguing that disruptions in mobile services on the day of the long march had prevented the court’s order from reaching Khan.
Following these discussions, the constitutional bench adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
