Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa voiced on Tuesday that the implementation of the Supreme Court’s July 12 ruling in the reserved seats case is not obligatory until the pending appeals are resolved. The Supreme Court had clarified in its July 12 order that the 41 returned candidates from the PTI out of 80 MNAs are members of its Parliamentary Party in the National Assembly.
The decision was challenged by the PML-N, PPP, and ECP, and the appeals are awaiting a hearing. Despite a reprimand to the ECP in the first clarification issued on Sept 14, the court reiterated that the Elections Act 2017 amendments cannot supersede the July 12 judgement. CJP Isa stated in his minority verdict that the majority’s decision did not conclusively resolve the appeals, hence not binding under the constitution.
While the matter continues, the top judge has summoned explanations from court officers regarding the issuance of clarifications. Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing legal saga.
More to follow.