As darkness fell, a menacing group of JUI-F workers descended upon the red zone, their demand for the resignation of the Chief Justice of Pakistan echoing through the streets.

JUI-F workers held a protest outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan on 10 May 2021 against Chief Justice of Pakistan Umer Ata Bandial allegedly providing “blanket relief” to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan in multiple cases. PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had previously called on supporters from all allied political parties to gather at Constitution Avenue in Islamabad on 10 May to demonstrate national solidarity against what he perceived as preferential treatment of a “criminal” by the three-member bench of the apex court and the Islamabad High Court. Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also announced to join the protest. The government discouraged Fazl from holding the sit-in at SC premises due to “security concerns” and shift it to D-Chowk but its efforts proved futile. The sit-in coincided with the hearing of Election Commission of Pakistan’s plea, requesting the apex court to reconsider its decision to hold elections for the Punjab Assembly on May 14. The government recommended holding the federal and provincial elections at the same time. On the flip side, PTI kick-started its “Ayen Bachao, Mulk Bachao” movement after the government flouted SC’s order to hold elections in two provinces.

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