A contentious incident transpired before the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday during the hearing of the review case contesting the interpretation of Article 63A of the Constitution.
The appeal submitted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) experienced a significant development when Mustafin Kazmi, a PTI official, was instructed to exit the courtroom by the Chief Justice following heightened tensions.
The Chief Justice instructed, “Contact the police and remove this individual,” after a verbal confrontation with Kazmi.
Threat to Chief Justice of Pakistan
Mustafin Kazmi, representing PTI as the aggrieved party, contested the proceedings, declaring, “There are 500 lawyers outside; we shall observe how the verdict is rendered against us.” His comments intensified the tense atmosphere in the courtroom.
The Supreme Court dismisses Barrister Ali Zafar’s challenge over the composition of the bench.
The Supreme Court bench, chaired by CJP Qazi Faez Isa, faced an objection from Barrister Ali Zafar on its composition.
Ali Zafar requested a ruling on the legality of the bench prior to the examination of the substantive arguments, prompting the bench members to confer while seated in the courtroom.
The Supreme Court judges said, “Your objection to the object is unanimously denied.”
Initially, it must be determined whether the bench is legitimate.
“Should this decision be rendered, I can present arguments only thereafter,” PTI attorney Ali Zafar implored the court for clarification.
The arguments presented by Barrister Ali Zafar
Barrister Ali Zafar, representing PTI, submitted procedural objections during the hearing, contending that the concerned parties had not received appropriate notification. Zafar asserted that it was essential to notify the people involved.
He also contested the composition of the bench, disputing its constitutionality. Zafar contended, “This bench is illegal,” asserting that it fails to meet the stipulations of the amendment law.
The Chief Justice repeated the court’s position, emphasising that all parties had been invited to submit their reasons.
The Chief Justice stated, “We indicated yesterday that anyone wishing to present arguments should proceed to do so.”
Do you intend to humiliate the Supreme Court judges?
Barrister Ali Zafar stated that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah did not attend the committee meeting and instead authored a letter.
Ali Zafar requested authorisation to peruse the correspondence from Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.
“You ought to read solely the pertinent paragraph of the letter,” stated Chief Justice Faiz Isa.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan noted, “If you have read that letter, you must also read the response,” and questioned whether counsel Ali Zafar intended to disgrace the justices in court.
“Justice Mansoor addressed the full court regarding the amendment ordinance,” stated Ali Zafar.
