The Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to deliberate on the pivotal issue of lifetime disqualification of lawmakers tomorrow (Tuesday), a decision that could impact the political future of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif ahead of the general elections on February 8.
The hearing will be conducted by a larger seven-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa. The bench includes Justices Mansoor Ali Shah, Yahya Afridi, Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Musarrat Hilali.
The apex court’s involvement was prompted by contradictions between the Election Act 2017 and a Supreme Court verdict regarding the duration of disqualification. This came to light last month during the petition filed by former PML-N lawmaker Sardar Meer Badshah Khan Qaisrani, who challenged his lifetime disqualification over a fake degree in 2007.
During the hearing on December 11, CJP Faez Isa highlighted the incongruity between the Supreme Court’s judgment on lifetime disqualification and the amendments made to the Elections Act 2017, stating that only one could prevail. He emphasized the need to resolve this issue and referred the matter to a three-member committee under the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023.
Potential Impact on Key Political Figures
In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that individuals disqualified under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution would face a lifetime ban. However, amendments by the former coalition government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) retrospectively reduced this period to five years.
The ruling and subsequent amendment directly affect key political figures like former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) chief Jahangir Khan Tareen, both disqualified for life under Article 62(1)(f). The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could redefine the political landscape of Pakistan, especially with the upcoming general elections.
