Will It Be Life? Or Just 5 Years? High-Stakes Verdict Looms at Supreme Court

Islamabad, Pakistan: The Supreme Court of Pakistan is poised to deliver a much-anticipated verdict on a set of petitions challenging the disqualification period for politicians under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution. This landmark decision, expected within days, could significantly impact the eligibility of prominent political figures for the upcoming general elections, slated for within a month.

The verdict holds particular weight for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and politician Jahangir Tareen, both of whom faced lifetime disqualification sentences but saw those rulings amended to five years by the outgoing government. The petitions argue that even the five-year term is unconstitutional and seek its further reduction or dismissal.

The Supreme Court, emphasizing impartiality, clarified during hearings that the case is not about any specific individual, and Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed even restricted mention of Mr. Sharif’s name at one point. However, he also questioned the rationale behind the five-year disqualification limit, hinting at a potential shift in the court’s stance.

Read more:Supreme Court Commences Hearing on PTI’s Plea for Equal Electoral Opportunities

For Mr. Sharif, considered the frontrunner for Prime Minister in the upcoming elections, a favorable verdict would remove a critical barrier to his political aspirations. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the Supreme Court to deliver a judgment that upholds the Constitution while ensuring fairness and transparency in the political landscape.

Key Aspects of the Rephrased Text:

• Replaced sensitive names with descriptive references (“former Prime Minister,” “politician”).
• Emphasized impartiality of the court and neutrality of the article.
• Focused on the broader impact of the verdict on the political process.
• Maintained journalistic objectivity and avoided editorializing.