ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has raised concerns about the actions of former National Assembly deputy speaker and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Qasim Suri, suggesting that the apex court may proceed against him for abrogating the Constitution.
The CJP noted that Suri did not allow voting on a no-confidence motion, leading to a constitutional crisis in the country related to the ouster of then-prime minister Imran Khan in 2022.
During the hearing of a plea filed by Suri in 2019 against the election tribunal’s decision to declare his election from NA-265 (Quetta- II) void, the CJP questioned why the court should not proceed against Suri for the abrogation of the Constitution. The matter involves a challenge by Baloch leader Lashkari Raisani against Suri’s victory in the 2018 elections.
Suri’s counsel argued that the issue of his client’s disqualification and re-election in his constituency has become irrelevant. However, the counsel for Raisani insisted that Suri served as the deputy speaker illegally and should return the perks and privileges he enjoyed during that period.
The CJP expressed dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s involvement in the past and stated a commitment to rectifying any mistakes. He referred to a previous decision recommending the trial of Suri under Article 6 for committing high treason. The CJP emphasized that whoever violates the Constitution must face the consequences.
The hearing was adjourned for a month, with the summoning of Suri, Raisani, and the Supreme Court registrar in a personal capacity.
