Saturday, November 16, 2024 05:33 PM
The constitutional bench in Pakistan will convene without Justice Ayesha A Malik, prioritizing older cases for hearings on November 14 and 15.
In a significant development within Pakistan's judicial landscape, the constitutional bench is set to convene without the presence of Justice Ayesha A Malik. This decision comes as the bench prepares to hear a series of constitutional cases on November 14 and 15. The committee, which operates under Article 191A (4) of the Constitution, has instructed the Registrar’s Office to prioritize the oldest cases for these hearings. This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing long-pending matters, ensuring that justice is not delayed.
The absence of Justice Ayesha A Malik on the specified dates has prompted the committee to form a bench comprising all available judges. This decision was made during a meeting held at the Supreme Court in Islamabad, chaired by Justice AminudDin Khan, who leads the constitutional bench. The meeting also included participation from Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, who joined the discussions via telephone from Karachi. The committee is set to reconvene on November 13 at 12:30 pm to further deliberate on the cases, particularly upon the arrival of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar in Islamabad.
On November 5, the 12-member Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) appointed Justice AminudDin Khan as the head of the seven-member constitutional bench, with a majority vote of 7 to 5. This bench is notable for its diverse representation, including judges from all four provinces of Pakistan. Justice AminudDin and Justice Ayesha A Malik hail from Punjab, while Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi represent Sindh. Balochistan is represented by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Mussarat Hilali comes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This composition reflects a balanced approach to judicial representation across the country.
The Supreme Court Bar Association has expressed its support for the formation of this seven-member constitutional bench. The newly-elected President of the SCBA, Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, has voiced confidence in the abilities and integrity of the bench members. He believes that they are well-equipped to tackle crucial constitutional issues that may arise during the hearings.
As the constitutional bench prepares to take on these important cases, it is essential to recognize the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. The prioritization of older cases not only reflects a commitment to efficiency but also highlights the judiciary's responsibility to address the concerns of citizens who have been waiting for resolution. The upcoming hearings will be closely watched, as they may set precedents for future constitutional interpretations and decisions in Pakistan.