PTI female lawyer’s unrecognized intervention raises eyebrows

ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic turn of events during Friday’s proceedings at the Supreme Court, the spotlight shifted to Mashal Yousafzai, a female lawyer associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), in the midst of an election-related case.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and esteemed senior judges were engrossed in discussions with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja when an appeal from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision was presented.

The courtroom, presided over by a 3-member bench comprising Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, and Justices Tariq Masood and Mansoor Ali Shah, witnessed an unexpected moment as Mashal Yousafzai approached the rostrum while the Chief Justice was in the process of drafting the order.

Expressing her eagerness to address the court, CJP Isa redirected Yousafzai, citing the ongoing drafting process and questioning her credentials as a lawyer authorized to speak in the Supreme Court.

“Please sit down. Who are you? We are dictating an order,” CJP Isa said. “Seems to be no respect for anyone anymore,” Justice Isa curtly observed.

He also warned the PTI lawyer, Mashal Yousufzai, of contempt if next time she did this.

Although, the woman was off screen, Justice Isa asked her if she was a lawyer and where she had studied. He then told her to go sit at the back of the courtroom. “I don’t know what’s happening, what sort of education is being imparted,” he said.

The Attorney General swiftly intervened, making it clear that Mashal Yousafzai was not recognized as a Supreme Court lawyer, thereby restraining her from participating in the proceedings.

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CJP Isa, exercising his authority, cautioned the female PTI lawyer to observe proper court decorum, instructing her to return to her seat and desist from further interventions.

He underscored the potential consequences, emphasizing the looming threat of contempt of court charges if she disrupted future proceedings.

In response to the admonition, CJP Isa urged Ms. Yousafzai to grasp the decorum of the court, highlighting the gravity of contempt proceedings and delving into inquiries about her educational background.

This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a pivotal electoral case, underscoring the critical importance of upholding decorum and legal protocols within the courtroom environment. As the judicial process navigates through sensitive matters, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to maintain order and adherence to established legal procedures in the pursuit of justice.