Disqualification Limit Case: Ex-PM Nawaz’s counsel gets time

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Wednesday (today) resumed hearing of the petitions related to the determination of time-period of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution. A five member larger bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprises of Judges Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Azmat Saeed Justice Sheikh, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Ijazul Ahsan took up the case. In today’s proceedings, Azam Tarar, the counsel of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif appeared before the court and pleaded the court for time to prepare for the case. The CJP accepted the plea and directed Azam Tarar to come prepared next week. Munir A Malik, the top court’s amicus curiae in the case while presenting his arguments regarding Article 62, 63 of the constitution mentioned basic rights and said that the basic rights are the heart of the constitution, adding that the lifetime disqualification is a violation of the basic rights. Presenting his aruguments, Sikander Mehmund, the counsel of PTI leader Jahangir tareen said that Article 62, 63 of the constitution do not mention lifetime disqualification. Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that the limit of Article 62(1)(f) is vast and asked to check the definition of dishonesty. He observed that dishonesty means cheating and a dishonest man could become the prime minister of the country. Justice Umer Atta Bandial asked if a traitor can contest the election after five years and come to the parliament. While presenting his arguments, Waseem Sajjad, the counsel of Allah Dino said that there is confusion in Articles 62, 63 of the constitution.