ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict in the high-profile review case concerning reserved seats in the National Assembly, with the decision expected soon.
During the hearing, tensions flared between Justice Jamal Mandokhail and senior lawyer Hamid Khan over the court’s authority to hear the case.
Hamid Khan challenged the court’s jurisdiction, citing legal precedents, while Justice Mandokhail demanded to see any rule barring the court from proceeding.
Justice Panhwar Recuses Amidst Controversy
Supreme Court Justice Salahuddin Panhwar recused himself from the constitutional bench following an objection raised by Hamid Khan.
The objection related to Justice Panhwar’s inclusion after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which expanded the number of judges.
In a written note, Justice Panhwar stressed his decision was based on maintaining judicial impartiality and preserving public confidence, despite personal hurt from the objection.
His withdrawal narrowed the bench further after Justices Ayesha Malik and Shahid Waheed Abbasi also declared petitions inadmissible and stepped down.
Ongoing Legal Battle and Court Dynamics
The review petitions challenge the Supreme Court’s July 12, 2024 ruling that validated 39 out of 80 MNAs as PTI candidates, establishing PTI as the largest party in the assembly.
This verdict remains unenforced due to objections by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), PML-N, and PPP.
Justice Aminuddin, leading the bench, criticized disruptions caused by Hamid Khan, who continued to press objections despite not being formally permitted to argue.
The court is now continuing the hearing with a 10-member bench, navigating complex legal and constitutional questions amid heightened political sensitivity.
The verdict in this case will be pivotal for the future political landscape of Pakistan.
