Pakistan
Overthrowing govt through horse trading should be stopped: supreme court
ISLAMABAD- Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan on Tuesday during the hearing of the presidential reference regarding the interpretation of Article 63A remarked that it has become a tradition to overthrow the government with influence of money. The process of overthrowing the government through horse trading should be stopped, he stated.
As per details, a five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial resumed the hearing on presidential reference regarding the interpretation of Article 63A.
PTI lawyer Babar Awan argued that even those who do not pay utility bills are not eligible for membership. If the period for disqualification is not fixed then it will be for life.
In this regard Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail inquired if any disqualified candidate pays the bill before the next election, then would the disqualification still withstand.
Meanwhile, Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan said that disqualification would end after paying the bill. Disqualification is for life only under Article 62(1)(f), he added.
He explained that disqualification will remain until the court declares it to end, but non-payment of utility bills will not result in disqualification for life. Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan further responded to the PTI lawyer’s stance adding that we’ve taken note of your point. You are saying that if the period for disqualification is not declared then it will result in disqualification for life.
The justice remarked that do you want Article 63A to be made so strict that no one can deviate?
In addition, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail said that different punishments for crime have been given in the law. Can the court extend the sentence by even one day? Article 63A provides a forum for action against deviant members, he said.
The court adjourned the hearing till 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday).
