ISLAMABAD – Supreme Court of Pakistan formed a new larger bench to hear review petition regarding interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution, replacing Justice Munib Akhtar with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan.
The new bench will be led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and it includes Justices Ameenuddin, Jamal Mandokhel, Mazhar Alam Miankhail, and Naeem Akhtar Afghan. The formation of the new bench comes after Justice Munib Akhtar recused himself from the proceedings.
The meeting of the Practice and Procedure Committee, intended to establish the new bench, could not take place as CJP Isa and Justice Ameenuddin Khan awaited the arrival of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who did not attend or provide notice of his absence.
Justice Munib earlier penned a letter to Court Registrar, saying he could not participate in the five-member bench, arguing that it was inappropriate for only four judges to hear the case. His second letter prompted the adjournment of the hearing, as he expressed that while he did not formally recuse himself, he felt unable to join a bench constituted by the Practice and Procedure Committee.
The apex court’s hearing is crucial as it addresses critical interpretation of Article 63-A, which relates to disqualification of lawmakers for defection.
More Updates to follow…
