ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Judge Mazar Ali Akbar Naqvi has hired a top-level team of lawyers to contest his case as he has challenged the proceedings of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against him on Monday (today).
Among the distinguished team members is Latif Khosa, a seasoned figure from the Pakistan Peoples Party, who notably represented Imran Khan in various cases, despite facing backlash from his own party.
On the contrasting end of the political spectrum stands Syed Ali Zafar, a sitting senator aligned with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, leveraging his dual role as a significant PTI figure and a prominent lawyer. Zafar previously represented PTI in petitions against military courts.
Khawaja Haris, renowned for his legal representation of both Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases post their tenure, also stands among the formidable lineup.
Makhdoom Ali Khan, an esteemed lawyer who served as attorney general during the Musharraf regime and contributed to drafting the PCB constitution, recently advocated for the government in the NAB amendment case, further fortifying Naqvi’s team.
The final member, Saad Mumtaz Hashmi, has represented the federal government in crucial cases like the NAB amendment and the Judge Arshad Malik video case, rounding out the robust legal ensemble backing Justice Naqvi.
The Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa-led Supreme Judicial Council is poised to handle complaints against Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi, yet the judge himself opted to challenge the proceedings, seeking their annulment and labeling all issued notices as unlawful, citing political motives behind them.
Justice Naqvi’s petition, unveiling his robust approach to the proceedings, revealed his thorough preparation and the formidable legal firepower he intends to wield. He has marshaled a six-member legal squad comprised of eminent figures for his defense.
The petition was lodged through Syed Rifaqat Hussain Shah, designated as the Advocate on Record, notable for his involvement in high-profile cases, including representing former First Lady Bushra Begum in a petition expressing concerns about Imran Khan’s safety while in jail. Shah also spearheaded a plea for a larger bench to deliberate on petitions against Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s 2020 presidential reference.
