The Supreme Court (SC) embarked on a crucial hearing on Tuesday regarding the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers, with a seven-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa
The distinguished panel comprises Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Amin-ud-din Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musarrat Hilali. The live broadcast of the proceedings is accessible on the Supreme Court’s website.
The hearing, adjourned until Thursday, January 4, aims for a swift resolution to prevent confusion for returning officers. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the court’s intention to expedite proceedings on the issue.
The case revolves around the interpretation of whether individuals disqualified under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution can contest elections, considering the amendments in the Elections Act 2017. The bench, constituted under the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023, includes a three-judge committee comprising CJP Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, and Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
The outcome may have significant implications for figures like Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, who faced a lifetime disqualification in 2017 under Article 62(1)(f). The article stipulates that a person must be “sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest, and ameen” to qualify for election unless proven otherwise by a court of law.
Amendments in the Elections Act 2017 during the previous Shehbaz Sharif-led government limited lawmakers’ disqualification to five years. The hearing assumes particular significance as it may impact Nawaz Sharif’s eligibility to contest the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
