In a crucial Supreme Court hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed notable views on the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under Article 62(1)(F) of the Constitution. The proceedings, initiated due to inconsistencies in the Election Act of 2017, particularly regarding disqualification duration, stemmed from a petition filed by former PML-N provincial lawmaker Sardar Meer Badshah Khan Qaisrani.
CJP Isa, leading a seven-member bench, stressed the urgency of settling the constitutional matter swiftly to avoid confusion among returning officers handling nomination papers for upcoming elections. The hearing aimed to clarify the disqualification period for lawmakers – either a five-year term per the Election Act 2017 or a lifetime ban under Article 62(1)(F).
Highlighting Islamic principles, CJP Isa underscored the reverence for human status according to the Holy Quran. He pointed out that the concept of lifetime disqualification contradicts the fundamental Islamic notion of repentance.
Discussions also delved into the potential need for a constitutional amendment to address lifetime disqualification concerns. CJP Isa cautioned against creating obstacles in the forthcoming elections and expressed concerns about aligning with dictatorial tendencies.
A lawyer representing petitioners faced rigorous questioning from the bench, and the court adjourned the hearing with plans to resume deliberations the next day. The outcome of this case carries significant implications for the eligibility of various politicians, including figures like Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen, in the upcoming polls.