Thread by @PoliticalPrism_

SAY NO TO JUDICIAL COUP - 🧵

In order to comprehend the ongoing judicial chaos in #Pakistan, one must be able to differ between different forms of coup.

#Say_No_To_Judicial_Coup

📌A martial coup is a temporary rule by military authorities in a designated area when civil authorities are unable to function. As a result, civil rights are usually suspended, and summary justice or military law is extended to the civilian population.

📌Judicial Coup, although it finds its roots in the US civil war, in contemporary times, is quite prominent in Pakistan. It allows the judiciary to hijack the political process in an attempt to take over the executive functions of the national government.

🔹️Military Coup– Historical Perspective
The phenomenon of military coup, in Pakistan, began in 1958. Historically, the imposition of the military coup has always found mixed reviews in Pakistan.
Some would see them as not only the longest stable running governments, (cont)

But also leading to periods of modernization and socio-economic reforms that have been well received by masses. This could be due to one person holding all the power and being able to make quick decisions without bureaucratic obstacles or political wrangling.

At least early periods of all military coups, where political maneuvering was least, were socio-economically most rewarding for the public. Suppression of civil liberties & democratic values during mil coup regimes had long-lasting negative impacts on Pak's political landscape.

It also had negative impact on abstract values; like freedom of speech, human rights, and democracy.
The suppression of these values can lead to grievances, political instability, and social unrest.

🔹️Judicial Coup – Experiments in Play
Early signs of Judicial Coups have their roots in hyped judicial activism, which commenced with lawyers' movement in 2010. It had growing interference in political matters and dismissal of successive elected governments by judiciary.

The confidence and power-hold of judges have increased. This has also been institutionally patronized over years through mushrooming and activism of numerous lawyers’ organisations, protests, bar councils, and media presence.

While judicial coup may sound softer than military coup but has even lesser solutions to offer.
With power vested in judges, decision-making is difficult. Legal minds, unlike the military, are less action oriented rather than thrive on debates leading to paralysis by analysis.

Resultantly, this decreases public trust and confidence in the judicial system, which is crucial for maintaining any worth while society.