ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – Spokesperson of Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has issued the following statement.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed grave concern on the allegations levied by the PML-N regarding blackmailing of a judge through an incriminating video to force him give a desired verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif.

This is not the first time that such accusations have been made. In the past similar allegations of exerting pressure on the judges have also been made. It is indeed a sad commentary on the health of Pakistani democracy that such accusations continue to be made so often and so repeatedly.

Mustafa Khokhar said that the Chairman PPP has called upon the superior judiciary to take appropriate action in the matter. If for some reasons the judiciary is not inclined to address such issues then the opposition parties must deliberate on it and formulate a united course of action.

It is most unfortunate that even today political circles are abuzz with pressure reportedly exerted on the judges to deliver preferred verdicts in corruption cases against opposition leaders, in by-elections against opposition candidates amid talk of even the superior judiciary brought under pressure.

He said that the presidential references against some honorable Judges of the Supreme Court and Sindh High Court are also seen by many as attempts by the regime to undermine judicial independence.

The PPP appeals to all judges under pressure to recuse themselves rather than give decisions under pressure. The Party demands remedial measures to ensure the independence of the judiciary and to ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done.

The PPP also calls upon all institutions to stay within their constitutional domain.