In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended the notification for the formation of election tribunals and the Lahore High Court’s decision regarding the same.
The decision was made by a five-member larger bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
The court’s decision comes after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) appealed against the establishment of election tribunals, arguing that it falls under their jurisdiction. During the hearing, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders raised objections against Chief Justice Isa, leading to a heated exchange.
PTI’s lawyer, Niazullah Niazi, attempted to challenge the bench’s composition, demanding that the case be transferred to another bench. Chief Justice Isa dismissed this objection, stating that the current bench would continue the hearing. He questioned Niazi’s interest in the case, highlighting that it was a matter between the ECP and the Chief Justice, not a private individual.
The Chief Justice, along with other bench members, expressed strong disapproval of Niazi’s actions, noting that he had raised no objections during previous hearings.
They deemed his current objection as an attempt to create headlines and discredit the court. The Chief Justice even threatened disciplinary action against Niazi, suggesting that his case be referred to the Pakistan Bar Council.
