Tayyab Mustafain Kazmi, a lawyer representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested on Thursday following his disruptive behavior during a Supreme Court hearing overseen by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
The incident occurred as the court deliberated on petitions concerning Article 63-A, a constitutional clause regarding the disqualification of lawmakers. Kazmi was apprehended by Islamabad police from the F-7/4 area and transferred to the Secretariat Police Station. His actions included threats of resistance against the court’s potential rulings, asserting that “500 PTI lawyers were prepared to oppose any adverse decision against the party.”
Tensions heightened when Kazmi openly questioned the legitimacy of the judicial bench, demanding the removal of two judges, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Mazhar Alam Mian Khel. Chief Justice Isa responded firmly, stating, “Courts cannot be run through intimidation. We will proceed regardless of opposition.”
Earlier in the hearing, Chief Justice Isa had warned Kazmi about his disruptive behavior, emphasizing the need for patience and respect for the judicial process. Despite repeated warnings, Kazmi’s defiance continued, prompting the Chief Justice to order police intervention to restore courtroom order.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail also voiced concerns over the increasing tendency to criticize judges after unfavorable rulings, stating that the judiciary must uphold its independence. Kazmi ultimately left the courtroom, refusing to argue further, which led to his arrest.
This incident followed a major Supreme Court ruling that reversed a 2022 decision on Article 63-A, allowing votes from defecting lawmakers to be counted. A detailed judgment is expected soon.
