SC verdict not to affect Nawaz Sharif’s case, says Tarar

ISLAMABAD: The recent decision by the Supreme Court to suspend the Review of Judgments and Orders Act 2023 is unlikely to affect the case of Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister.

Renowned lawyer and former law minister, Azam Nazir Tarar, expressed this view on Friday.

In its ruling on Friday, the apex court declared the Review of Judgments and Orders Act 2023 as unconstitutional.

This ruling dashed the hopes of both Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen, who had intended to challenge their lifetime disqualifications. The disqualifications of both leaders were enacted under Article 62 of the Constitution.

SC suspends ‘Review of Judgement and Orders Act 2023’

Had the verdict favored their petitions, both Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen could have availed an opportunity to contest their disqualifications. This consideration was especially significant in light of their political aspirations in the forthcoming general elections, which are scheduled after the National Assembly’s tenure.

Azam Nazir Tarar, however, emphasized that participation in elections remains a fundamental right for every citizen. With the enactment of the aforementioned act by the Parliament, all individuals who were previously disqualified now possess the entitlement to participate in elections.

Tarar also highlighted the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between the judiciary and the legislative process. He expressed concerns that frequent interventions by the Supreme Court in parliamentary affairs could set an undesirable precedent, potentially taking advantage of the parliamentary absence.

Tarar argued that the supremacy of the Parliament and the constitution’s explicit guidelines for institutional functioning should be upheld.

He further asserted that the Supreme Court’s decision is unlikely to have any significant impact on Nawaz Sharif’s case, leaving room for the possibility of a review petition to be filed in the Supreme Court.