Faizabad Sit-In Commission
In a significant development, the Supreme Court was informed by the federal government on Wednesday that it had established an inquiry commission to investigate the Faizabad sit-in. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, leading a three-member bench including Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aminuddin Khan, presided over the hearing.
Attorney General Mansoor Awan presented a notification about the commission’s formation in court and outlined the terms of reference. The commission, chaired by former Inspector General Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, comprises former IG Tahir Alam Khan and Khushal Khan, additional secretary interior. Chief Justice Isa emphasized the commission’s authority to summon ex-army chiefs, prime ministers, and chief justices, with the power to arrest those who defy its summons.
Expressing skepticism, the Chief Justice questioned whether the commission would make history or merely serve as another eyewash. Justice Isa expressed hope that the commission would operate in a free and fair manner. The hearing was adjourned until January 22.
Earlier, the attorney general informed reporters that the government had decided to establish a commission as suggested by the court in the previous hearing. A notification regarding the commission’s constitution would be submitted in court on the same day. The court had rejected a fact-finding committee set up by the government, recommending instead the formation of an inquiry commission to address the Faizabad sit-in issue.
Sheikh Rasheed Withdraws Petition in Legal Twist
On Wednesday, veteran politician Sheikh Rasheed arrived at the Supreme Court, informing the bench of his decision to withdraw the appeal.
When questioned by the chief justice about the initial submission of the review petition, Rasheed’s lawyer explained that ‘misconceptions’ were created by intelligence agency reports in the case. Despite attempting to address the court, Sheikh Rasheed was not permitted by Justice Isa.
Numerous petitioners, including PTI, Intelligence Bureau, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, MQM, former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, and the Election Commission, had initially filed review petitions against the 2019 verdict. However, several petitioners sought to withdraw their appeals after Justice Isa fixed the case for hearing.
