LAHORE: In a move that could further escalate political tensions and constitutional crisis in Pakistan, the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has decided to boycott the ongoing Supreme Court proceeding on the election delay case. The decision came after the top court rejected the alliance’s plea for a full court bench in the election delay case.
The PDM meeting, which lasted for over three hours, was attended by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, who joined the meeting via video-link from London.
The rulling alliance meeting agreed that the Attorney General of Pakistan Barrister Mansoor Usman Awan would appear in the apex court and expressed no confidence in the three-member bench.
Local media reported that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders also seconded the advice to boycott the Supreme Court bench, which was ratified by Nawaz Sharif, who reiterated that there was no other option left behind to control the damage than boycotting the apex court bench.
On Friday, the federal government’s request to form a full court bench was also rejected by the apex court, deepening the ongoing political crisis as the former prime minister Nawaz rejected the current bench.
The PTI had challenged the ECP’s March 22 decision of postponing elections in the two provinces. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan is now hearing the PTI plea after the recusal of two judges.
Government says not viable to hold snap polls
The federal government said it is economically not viable to hold the provincial elections first and then have another general election this year. The Supreme Court (SC) earlier this month ordered the snap polls to be held in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 90 days after the dissolution of the two provincial assemblies, which falls by April 30.
On Friday, Pakistan’s parliament passed a new law to limit the powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, a move that comes amid a dispute between the higher judiciary and the government.
The new law, which has been sent to the president for his assent, has cut down the chief justice’s powers to constitute benches, hear appeals or assign cases to judges in his team, according to a copy of the new bill.
Key points of allies meeting’s declaration
- Ruling parties expressed no confidence on the three-member bench of the apex court headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan
- A larger bench of the Supreme Court has already dismissed the election petitions by a majority of 4-3
- Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) wants to impose a minority decision on the majority
- References filed under Article 209 of Pakistan Bar Council and other Bar Associations should be processed
- SC bench, headed by Justice Faiz Isa, asked to stay proceedings on the cases pending under Section 184 (3). It is also mandatory for everyone to respect the decision of Justice Qazi Faiz Isa bench
- It is unfair for Justice Ejazul Ahsan to join the three-member bench yet again. Re-joining of Justice Ejaz ul Ahsan is a clear violation of the procedure and precedents of the Supreme Court
- Politicians are being asked to sit together but the Supreme Court itself is divided
- These circumstances require that the CJP and other judges of the three-member bench should withdraw from the case
- Declaration of the meeting’s strong endorsement and support of the recent legislation regarding judicial reforms of the Parliament. The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Bill will end the practice of one-sided justice towards the people. Parliament has made clear its opinion on Article 184(3) through legislation
- Parliament is supreme whose opinion should be respected by all quarters
- It is hoped that the President will not obstruct legislation on the basis of party affiliation
- Chief Justice of Pakistan should end the perception of special discriminatory behavior in the case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the meeting demanded
