Pakistan Defence

The Real Face of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui – the Controversial “Taliban” Judge Unmasked!

On Wednesday around noon, the news of Islamabad High Court barring famous anchorperson, Mubasher Lucman from conducting any programs spread like wildfire among the Pakistani news and social media. One of the most peculiar facts about this decision was the complaint was made by Lal Masjid Shuhada Foundationon which Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui issued the order barring Mubasher Lucmanfrom conducting any programmes citing Lucman had crossed all the limits and his behavior was causing hatred against the judiciary. What makes this decision even more controversial is the fact the decision was taken overnight after the petition being filed by the militant group against Mubasher Lucman just a day ago without issuing any notice to the defendant!

The decision is not merely a restriction placed on Mubasher Lucman; it resonates far more grave future for anyone that dares to differ from the version of facts acceptable to the certain elements in Pakistani judiciary and their favored ones. It is a beginning of the end for those vying for responsible freedom of speech!

The shocking decision is not that unexpected considering the past track record of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddqui. Have a quick look at what are some of his “greatest accomplishments”:

• Kissing a Self-Professing Murderer in Public!
  Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui is the same lawyer who openly celebrated the self-confessed murderer of Former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, Mumtaz Qadri and was photographed kissing the killer in the streets.

• Thick as Thieves with Lal Masjid Militants:

As an attorney in 2007, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui represented and helped bail out Maulana Abdul Aziz, who was charged in multiple cases in connection with the Lal Masjid standoff.

• Decision making based on Favoritism (and possibly more?)
  Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, on the special request by Mir Shakil ur Rahman – Geo and Jang Group’s notorious owner, ordered Mr. Yousuf Baig Mirza to be removed from the post of Managing Director of Pakistan Television (PTV). In the same case, He also ordered the removal of then-SECP chairman, Mohammad Ali, as he was causing hurdles for businessman, Jehangir Siddiqui, the Samdhi of Mir Shakil ur Rahman.

• Extremist Mentality:
  Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui is no stranger to extreme right wing tilt with a history of contending for National Assembly under the banner of Muttaheda Majlise Amal (MMA) yet facing a smashing defeat from NA-54.

• History of Biased Decision based on Vendettas:
  With a Pro-Lal Masjid stance and Extreme Right Wing Ideology, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s appointment to Ex-President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s case was protested on account of possible biased judgment. As feared, Justice Siddiqui had ordered the arrest of Musharraf under clause 7 of the anti-terrorism act on April 18, 2013 for illegally having confined judges in 2007. After a trial court refused his bail, Musharraf filed an appeal in Islamabad High Court on May 24, 2013.

Considering the “stellar” track record of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui and his nexus with Mir Shakil ur Rahman, who has been exposed by Mubasher Lucman himself for his financial frauds, misuse of media resources and anti-military campaigning, the Islamabad High Court decision is not only a detestable strike on freedom of speech and journalism but also a question on the integrity and unbiased stance of Pakistan’s judiciary.

Ban On Mubasher Lucman – A Dark Decision for the Freedom of Speech in Pakistan! Who will be NEXT? | Jungle ka Qanoon