The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), once a dominant political force, has recently experienced a precipitous decline following the tumultuous events of May 9th. What started as a crackdown on PTI leaders and workers after their attack on civil and military installations culminated in the party's disintegration, leaving it in shambles. PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan now languishes in jail, facing convictions and numerous legal battles. As the party's leadership either defected to rival political parties or went underground to evade potential arrests, an unexpected source of support emerged – the legal community.

Legal Defenders of PTI

In a surprising turn of events, it is the legal team and the lawyers' community that have taken on the role of defending the beleaguered chairman in courts, as well as in mainstream and social media. PTI, which had previously enjoyed the support of influential politicians, witnessed an exodus of key figures who once held portfolios and privileges.

Imran Khan's initiative, the 'Jail Bharo Tehreek' or 'Fill the Prison Movement,' intended to prepare party leaders for potential incarceration, saw only a handful of PTI members choosing jail time over their political future. To compound matters, some even opted to flee the country altogether.

The Resilient Legal Fraternity

Amidst this tumult, the legal fraternity's unwavering support has become a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. It leaves a question mark on all those who abandoned the party and its chairman when they needed support the most. While the PTI's leadership grapples with a seemingly insurmountable legal and political quagmire just ahead of the general elections, the lawyers' commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending their leader has become a focal point in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Challenges Faced by PTI's Legal Team

The challenges faced by the lawyers defending PTI on various forums are substantial. Allegations of compromised judges, prosecution, witnesses, and evidence cast a shadow on the fairness of legal proceedings. Access to records is difficult to obtain, and fundamental rights and the right to a fair trial often appear to be violated.

Instances like the firing at Latif Khosa's house and the incident where he, along with other lawyers, was stuck in a lift at the Islamabad High Court highlight the pressures faced by these legal defenders.

Motivation to Stand By Imran Khan

Despite these challenges, the legal team and the lawyers' community continue to stand by Imran Khan and PTI. Shoaib Shaheen, a member of PTI's legal team, expresses his motivation by highlighting Imran Khan's honesty, courage, and unwavering determination. Imran has not fled abroad and remains in high spirits despite being in jail, facing intense scrutiny and opposition.

Aligning Interests with the Restoration of Judicial Authority

Renowned lawyer and legal expert Abdul Moiz Jaferii offer a unique perspective on the lawyers' support for Imran Khan. He suggests that lawyers recognize their diminishing relevance in Pakistan's politics. This decline is attributed, in part, to the establishment's actions against the Supreme Court and the disregard of the Constitution and the rule of law.

Jaferii argues that lawyers are now aligning their interests with Imran Khan's agenda, aiming to restore judicial authority and the Constitution. They perceive their interests as intertwined with the resurgence of the courts' power and the protection of constitutional principles.

Conclusion

As Imran Khan's legal battles continue, and the political fallout from the May 9th incident reverberates, Pakistan's political scene remains in a state of flux. The role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law and defending PTI's leader is pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the country's politics. While challenges persist, their unwavering commitment and motivation to stand by Imran Khan may serve as a beacon of hope for PTI as it navigates turbulent waters. Only time will tell where this unique alliance between PTI and the legal community will ultimately lead Pakistan.