ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan is poised to announce its decision today regarding a series of petitions challenging the duration of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f). Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa led the seven-member bench, which included Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musarrat Hilali.
The verdict, eagerly awaited, is expected to have significant implications for the eligibility of various political leaders, notably Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen, as the country gears up for the upcoming general elections.
Despite both leaders receiving lifetime disqualification sentences, amendments by the outgoing Pakistan Democratic Movement government introduced a limitation of disqualification to five years, resulting in a complex legal question that the court is now anticipated to resolve.
Notably, the court has underscored its commitment to impartiality, explicitly stating that the case is not intended to favor any specific individual. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa took a proactive stance during the proceedings, even prohibiting a lawyer from mentioning Nawaz Sharif’s name.
The legal complexity arises from Parliament’s decision to restrict the disqualification period to five years. Chief Justice Isa observed, “We can’t tell Parliament to craft a law this way. This is their job; our job is another job. Is it unconstitutional?” For Nawaz Sharif, overcoming the disqualification sentence is the final legal hurdle as he aspires to secure another term in the prime minister’s office.
The court’s forthcoming decision is poised to provide clarity on the legal standing of these political figures and the potential ramifications for their participation in the imminent elections.
