ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday overturned its earlier ruling on the interpretation of Article 63(A) that barred legislators from going against their political party’s policy while voting in parliament, local media reported. The apex court has unanimously accepted the review petition for hearing against the court’s interpretation of Article 63A, local media reported.
Earlier, at the start of the hearing, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Founder’s lawyer Ali Zafar has stated in his arguments in the apex court that the government is proposing amendments to the Constitution, and it is feared the apex court will permit horse-trading. Barrister Ali Zafar has boycotted the hearing of review petition on Articles 63-A case following a debate with Chief Justice (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, according to local media. As hearing began, Barrister Ali cited the PTI leader as saying that the bench is not lawful, so there is no point in proceeding. Barrister Ali Zafar retorted that the government is bringing constitutional amendment and judicial package for you. CJP Qazi Faez Isa warned that he was “crossing the line. We can issue you a contempt of court notice. You are committing insult before the decision.”
The Supreme Court on Thursday resumed hearing of the review pleas concerning Article 63-A. A five-member larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, presides over the hearing. The SC bench also includes Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel — who replaced Justice Munib Akhtar.
On Wednesday, PTI founder’s lawyer Ali Zafar presented his arguments against the review pleas but the apex court rejected his objections regarding the bench.
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