A six-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed a review petition filed against the appointment of former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court. The bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin, heard arguments on the case on Thursday.

During the hearing, Justice Jamal Mandokhail stated that the petition was a review and the case could not be reopened. The petitioner’s lawyer, Riaz Hanif, argued that the Supreme Court had heard the Bhutto case after 40 years.

Justice Musarrat Hilali emphasized that the court was not a forum for political statements or backbiting, and that they could not deviate from the law. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar cautioned the lawyer against his tone, urging him to listen to the court.

Justice Aminuddin questioned the lawyer’s reluctance to answer the court’s questions. Justice Jamal Mandokhail directly asked if the lawyer sought to reopen the case. Hanif responded that he was presenting facts to the court, acknowledging a lack of records but suggesting they could be obtained from Balochistan.

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Justice Aminuddin further inquired about the legal basis for mandatory consultation with the Chief Minister. Justice Hilali urged the lawyer to refrain from personal attacks, stating that the case seemed more political than legal, and that there was no benefit in criticizing someone behind their back.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail indicated he would request the bench head to refer the matter to the Pakistan Bar Council. Ultimately, the constitutional bench dismissed the review petition filed by lawyer Riaz Hanif. The court’s decision concludes the legal challenge to Justice Isa’s appointment.