[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, the National Assembly (NA) passed a resolution condemning the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone elections in Punjab was “illegal.”
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprised of Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, also set May 14 as the date for the province’s election.
Khalid Magsi, leader of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), presented the resolution to the NA after it had been prepared by the coalition parties of the incumbent government.
National Assembly @NAofPakistan session underway in Islamabad https://t.co/VF9jcLLOTo
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 6, 2023
Magsi stated in his reading of the resolution to the assembly that the three-member bench ignored the majority decision of the four judges who were previously on the bench. He went on to say that the decision went against the court’s own traditions, precedents, and procedures.
He went on to say that the minority was imposed on the majority, and that the parliament rejects the decision of the three-member minority bench and declares the majority bench’s decision ineffective under the Constitution and law.
Also Read: Govt to submit another resolution in NA against SC rulling
Magsi stated that the NA session agreed with the Supreme Court’s three-member bench’s decision not to hear cases filed under Article 184 (3) of the Pakistan Constitution until the full court met.
He expressed serious reservations about the court’s decision to hear the case in front of another contentious bench in a hurry, as well as the hasty decision made within a few minutes.
“Such an action is clearly against the Supreme Court’s traditions and precedents, and is unacceptable,” he said, adding that the House was concerned about undue judicial interference in political matters.
According to the BAP leader, the “minority ruling” was causing political instability in the country and paved the way for division into federal units.
The House believes that holding general elections across the country at the same time will solve all of the problems.
“This House rejecting the minority decision of the three-member bench advises the prime minister and the Cabinet to not obey the unconstitutional and unlawful decision”.
He further said that the NA also expressed serious concern over the misinterpretation of Article 63(A) of the Constitution and its rewriting by the Supreme Court.
Magsi concluded that the full court of the SC should review the decision.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which had petitioned the Supreme Court about the delay in the Punjab elections, has rejected the NA resolution.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
