The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed an objection Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) raised regarding the composition of a newly formed five-member bench set to hear a review petition challenging the interpretation of Article 63-A of the constitution.
The bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, includes Justices Ameenuddin, Jamal Mandokhel, Mazhar Alam Miankhail, and Justice Naeem Afghan. This reformation occurred following Justice Munib Akhtar’s recusal from the case.
During the session, tensions escalated, culminating in a significant confrontation involving PTI representative Mustafin Kazmi. After a heated exchange, Chief Justice Isa ordered Kazmi’s removal from the courtroom, directing, “Call the police and get this guy out.”
Read: PTI Challenges Review Petition Admissibility for Article 63A in Supreme Court
Kazmi, asserting PTI’s stance as the aggrieved party, provoked further tension by stating, “There are 300 lawyers outside; let’s see how the decision comes against us.” These remarks intensified the already charged atmosphere.
In response to the unfolding events, Chief Justice Isa, addressing Barrister Ali Zafar, expressed his concerns about the courtroom’s decorum, stating, “We will not tolerate humiliation,” and noted the threats being made.
Subsequently, at the Chief Justice’s command, Kazmi was ejected from the courtroom.
Amid these disturbances, Ali Zafar requested the court to rule on the legality of the bench before proceeding to arguments on the case’s merits. The bench deliberated on this point in the courtroom.
Ultimately, the judges rejected the objection to the bench’s composition, declaring, “Your objection to object is unanimously denied.”
