Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial has remarked that the Supreme Court was being maligned with audiotapes which have “no importance”, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Hearing the appeal of former Lahore CCPO Ghulam Mehmood Dogar in his transfer case, the CJP said “The apex court is a constitutional institution, which is being maligned with audiotapes.”

He further observed “We will protect the constitutional institution with forgiveness and restraint. These malicious audiotapes are of no significance,” Justice Bandial said, adding “The election commission is a constitutional institution, and we will provide it protection.”

The CJP said “The election commission has a mandate to conduct fair, free and transparent elections in the country. We will only intervene when malicious intention is found in the conduct of free and fair elections.”

Meanwhile, the court disposed of the appeal of Ghulam Mehmood Dogar in the transfer case after he withdrew it.

Reporter Amanat Gishkori