(Web Desk) — Justice (retd) Shahid Jameel Khan, who resigned from the Lahore High Court (LHC) in February, has alleged that former LHC Chief Justice Ameer Bhatti used his position to politically benefit his son-in-law, Ali Afzal Sahi, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Months after his resignation, Khan gave a bombshell interview to host Azaz Syed on the social media talk show “Talk Shock,” where he made startling revelations about his fellow judges.
Khan claimed, “The decline of the judiciary in Punjab began during the tenure of Justice Sardar Shamim as LHC chief justice, who was close to the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz) and was readjusted after retirement.”
He praised Justice Aalia Neelum, the current chief justice of the high court, stating, “Justice Aalia Neelum is a good judge and cannot be approached by anyone.”
Khan alleged that Sahi invited him to his residence, informing him that he had become a provincial minister and had been allotted a government house. Khan declined the invitation, noting that Sahi was a minister from a political party, but revealed that about 25 fellow judges attended the event.
He further disclosed that during and after Bhatti’s tenure, cases related to the establishment and intelligence agencies were often assigned to a particular judge, who was perceived to provide them with favorable outcomes. Khan criticized Bhatti for being too approachable and meeting with everyone, which he believed was inappropriate for a judge.
Khan mentioned an incident where PTI leader Shehzad Akbar told Bhatti that positive news was not being broadcast. Khan openly expressed these concerns to Bhatti, arguing that judicial interference occurs when it is allowed.
He recounted an instance when an inspector from a secret agency requested a meeting with him during an inquiry into his appointment as a judge. Khan responded that he would meet the officer after his confirmation.
Justice (retd) Khan asserted that he never engaged in any inappropriate actions as a judge and commended the integrity of Justices Mansoor Ali Shah, Shahzad Gheba, and Ayesha Malik.
He revealed that Sabir Mithu, a relative of former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, tried to influence him in a sugar case, even attempting to contact his family after he became a judge. Mithu had informed Khan about General Bajwa’s appointment before it was officially announced. Their acquaintance ended when Mithu tried to exert influence.
During the interview, Khan discussed various incidents involving chief justices and fellow judges, shedding light on their characters. He also explained his reasons for resigning and addressed a video in which Muhammad Khan Bhatti mentioned his name.
Efforts were made to contact the individuals mentioned in the interview for their comments and to record their stance. They were invited for an interview to present their views verbatim. However, none accepted the invitation.
