Critics Cry Foul Over Pakistan Court Ruling, Accuse Chief Justice of Betraying Democracy
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The Supreme Court verdict against PTI was met with outrage by certain journalists, lawyers, and activists who view themselves as "puritans of democracy". Their arguments lacked substance.
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Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has an admirable history of fighting against efforts to oust him. The "romantics" had envisioned him as a judicial messiah against meddlesome generals.
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The manner in which the romantics reacted was about their high expectations clashing against reality. But also about gaining more attention by opposing populists.
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When media groups are attacked by populists, they highlight this to attract more audience. But the more they criticize populists, the more attention they give them.
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The meltdown after the verdict was also about the romantics creating a new "threat" to democracy in Isa. This helps cement their "democratic credentials" and boost their popularity.