A well-read and respected American daily newspaper “Virginia Post” in its publication of November 2021, described the role of Pakistani courts as the ‘bitches of the riches’. Such a derogatory description was received in Pakistan with consternation. But if we cast an honest look at the role and performance of the past two years of the higher courts of the country, we have to acknowledge this observation of Virginia Post being most reflective.

The conduct and behaviour of our highly paid judges with lavish perks and absolute power have been nothing but short of the standard expected of those occupying the highest legal seats in the land. On balance, many of their judgments in the months and years have been contradictory, inconsistent and imprudent. Their impropriety into the political quagmire of the country has seriously blinded their objectivity and impartial delivery of justice.

For the last two years, their over-preoccupation with the cases of allegations against the morally and financially corrupt but more so incapable politicians has been nothing but a waste of valuable judicial time and enormous financial resources in a country on the verge of financial collapse.

It is incredible that not a single politician accused of corruption or embezzlement of public funds has been sentenced. Their personal affiliations and subservience to the powerful establishment and politicians have been proven beyond any reasonable doubt.

How a country on the verge of bankruptcy can afford the high cost of this judicial unproductive process is beyond many.

Whilst all this is going on, ironically, millions of ordinary citizens have to wait years and years for the hearings of their genuine cases hoping for justice. There is no logic or justification for this. How can an institution of judiciary justify its existence when it has no time to hear the grievances of the 99% of the population.

The whole system seems rotten to the very core and incapable of delivering fair and impartial justice.  It must be demolished and rebuilt but the ruling elite will not reform it because it’s ineptness gives them the protection to carry on with their corrupt ways and means and avoid justice.