The Supreme Court’s Practice and Procedure Committee has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, with Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa presiding, according to sources. The committee plans to examine letters from Justice Munib Akhtar before establishing a new bench to hear a petition seeking a review of the 2022 ruling on the defection clause under Article 63A of the Constitution.
This meeting is expected to provide clarity on the court’s next steps in light of recent developments in the case. Justice Akhtar had previously abstained from attending a hearing related to appeals in the Article 63-A case, citing his inability to be present. He informed Chief Justice Isa via a letter, requesting that his absence not be misinterpreted and that the letter be included in the court’s official record.
The Supreme Court issued a written order concerning the Article 63-A review, instructing the registrar to deliver the order to Justice Akhtar. The order requested his participation in the bench, with the provision that, should he decline, a new judge would be appointed by the judges’ committee.
In response to the registrar, Justice Akhtar pointed out that the case, originally scheduled for a five-member bench, was heard by four judges. He expressed concern that proceeding with four judges deviated from established precedents, laws, and court rules. In his words, “This seems to be a significant departure from legal norms and precedent, which I cannot accept.”
Justice Akhtar reiterated his stance, referring once more to his earlier communication addressed to the registrar.
