In a written submission in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendment case, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has sought the recusal of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa in all cases involving him in line with an earlier order of the apex court.
“In order to uphold the principle of unbias-ness and impartiality it would be in the interest of justice that Justice Qazi Faez Isa should not hear matters involving me,” states the four-page submission, citing an order that had barred then-justice Isa from hearing cases involving the “prime minister” when Khan held the office. However, the order does not explicitly name Khan.
The Supreme Court last month reserved its verdict on appeals filed by the federal and provincial governments—minus Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa—against the court’s judgment declaring amendments to the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance as ultra vires of the Constitution. Khan personally appeared before the bench via video-link, during which he did not express any no-confidence in the CJP despite being granted multiple chances to make his arguments.
However, with several pending cases seemingly going against the PTI founder, his party has ramped up criticism of the CJP and demanded he step aside from any cases concerning Khan. According to legal experts, the PTI founder lacks reasonable grounds to seek the CJP’s recusal, though any final decision on recusal is solely the prerogative of the CJP. Earlier, the PTI core committee had similarly sought CJP Isa’s exit from benches hearing cases related to the PTI but had failed to provide any justification for its demand beyond perceived bias.
In his written submission, Khan refers to remarks of Justice Athar Minallah noting the NAB amendments would also benefit him, adding he is not interested in personal gain, but rather the greater good of the country and the millions of Pakistanis who place their faith in a system that should serve them. “Throughout my political career, I have consistently taken a stand against corruption, even at great personal risk and sacrifice, including my current imprisonment. My life’s work and sacrifices have always been dedicated to the fight against corruption and the establishment of justice,” Khan claims, alleging the NAB amendments are solely aimed at protecting corrupt individuals. The implementation of the legislation, he claims, would hinder the future prosecution of white-collar crimes.
“By undermining the rule of law, these amendments create an environment where corruption can flourish unchecked, deterring legitimate investment and stalling economic progress—harming the very people whose interest the legislators have been elected to protect,” he claimed, adding the amendments would have a long-term impact on the economy.
Khan has also sought the “reform” of NAB laws to prevent any abuse of its authority and powers—though he has not made any mention of how this would be accomplished without any amendments. He has similarly called for an investigation into the Dubai Leaks, claiming this had not occurred because NAB was “directed to work specifically against me.”
Reiterating his stance on the NAB amendments case, the PTI founder concluded his submission by requesting the top court dismiss the federal and provincial governments’ intra-court appeals.