Pak CJ rules out possibility of 'judicial martial law'

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar today dismissed rumours that the judiciary intends to impose 'judicial martial law' in the country.

"The constitution does not allow judicial martial law in the country. I had taken oath to protect the constitution and any deviation from it and derailment of democracy will not tolerated," the chief justice said while speaking at the Lahore's Cathedral Church on Pakistan Day here today.

"This year's general election will be independent and the next government be formed in accordance with the Constitution," he made it clear.

Rumours are rife that Pakistan may face 'judicial martial law' this time. The tug of war between the ruling PML-N and the Supreme Court since the ouster of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Panama Papers case in July last has sparked such rumours. As judicial activism is being witnessed in the country the PML-N had also expressed fears that this year's election may not take place.

Recently, Awami Muslim League president Sheikh Rashid urged the chief justice to impose a 90-day long judicial martial law' in the run-up to forthcoming general election.

"Appointing the caretaker prime minister is the main responsibility of the chief justice of Pakistan as the whole nation is looking up to the judiciary in this regard," he said.

Veteran politician Javed Hashmi said since 2014 Islamabad sit-in by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan there had been a plan to impose judicial martial law in the country.

"Judicial martial law is under way. The Pakistani judiciary had never been independent," he said.