The petitions before the SC sought clarification on whether the disqualification period for lawmakers was lifetime or five years.
Bench Composition: CJP Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musarrat Hilali formed the larger bench.
Justice Afridi’s Dissent: Justice Yahya Afridi expressed dissent from the majority verdict.
CJP Isa’s Remarks: During the hearings, CJP Isa remarked that lifetime disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) relied on an individual’s perception rather than constitutional parameters. The aim was to prevent confusion over the lifetime or five-year disqualification of lawmakers.
Live Broadcast: The proceedings were broadcast live on the Supreme Court’s website and YouTube channel, ensuring transparency.
Committee Formation: A three-judge committee, including CJP, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, had constituted the bench under the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023.
Impact on Nawaz Sharif: Following the verdict, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif is now cleared to contest the upcoming elections, scheduled for February 8.
Article 62(1)(f) Details: According to Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, a person must be sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest, and ameen to be eligible for parliament membership.
Elections Act 2017 Amendments: In the previous Shehbaz Sharif-led government, amendments were made to the Elections Act 2017, limiting lawmakers’ disqualification to five years.
Stay informed about the constitutional implications and the impact on the political landscape as the SC lifts the lifetime disqualification, enabling Nawaz Sharif’s participation in the upcoming general elections.
