This alternative campaign not only contradicts the statements of PTI’s top leadership, who have promised to accept the decision, it is based on a complete misunderstanding of the justice system.
The PTI has been characterised by its opponents as a party that always cries conspiracy when things go against it.
Attacking the Judicial Commission will not help dissipate it’s image as a tantrum-throwing child – especially when the tantrums are based on flawed facts.
Faced with a climb-down, the PTI media team has decided to attack the entirety of the legal system; ignoring the vast differences that exist between its different operations.
Social Media posts that ‘prove’ how the judiciary is rigged by listing unresolved cases such as the Model Town incident, Ayyan Ali bail, and the Baldia factor fire miss several important points.
Firstly, the functions of a Judicial Commission, designed to probe a specific question and staffed by Supreme Court judges, are completely separate from the functions of criminal courts – the success or failure of one does not affect the other.
Secondly, these cases are ongoing trials, just because they haven’t reached conclusion yet does not mean they never will.
Trials take time because it is necessary to give both sides time to prepare their arguments, it does not simply imply ineptitude.
Most importantly for PTI supporters – who consider the words of Imran Khan gospel – the composition of this judicial commission was thoroughly vetted, and approved by the Kaptaan.
He declared this panel trustworthy, and promised to accept its verdict.
This is the same Supreme Court, the same Chief Justice who was lauded by PTI when he hounded PML-N and PPP on holding Local Government election; calling them ‘corrupt’ only show that PTI extends support as long as the results are favourable.
Had this been restricted to social media, this senseless campaign could have been ignored.
Yet, party members are echoing these thoughts in talk shows and press conferences.
The inability, or unwillingness, of the PTI top leadership to reign in this campaign speaks volumes about their views.
With PML-N adapting an uncharacteristic restraint and speaking in conciliatory tones, the PTI looks all the more disruptive – and a little hypocritical.
It is true that the legal system needs reform, but that does not mean all its verdicts are automatically flawed.
If Imran Khan wants his party to be considered a serious political contender, he has to teach his workers and supporters then how to gracefully accept defeat.
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