[1][2][3] The assailants, largely from the youth wing of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and allegedly led by some of Sharif's legislative allies, caused the hearing to be adjourned.
[4] In reaction to this incident, the then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, requested military support to secure the judiciary, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
[5] The situation worsened in August when Shah suggested promoting five judges to the Supreme Court, a proposition resisted by Sharif who disapproved of two nominees.
[5] In retaliation, Shah initiated corruption proceedings against Sharif and filed contempt charges for his criticisms of the suspension of the anti-defection law, setting the stage for an unprecedented trial of a sitting prime minister.
[5] The friction between the judiciary and the executive culminated in December when Shah attempted to reinforce judicial authority by overturning the 13th Amendment and holding Sharif in contempt.