Section 63A review approved: SC issues unanimous verdict

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court commenced hearing on the Article 63-A revision plea case, once again, with a five-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Other members of the bench include Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Mandokhail, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Mazahir Alam Khan Miankhel.

During the proceedings, Barrister Ali Zafar, representing the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, informed the court that he had met with Imran Khan yesterday as per the court’s instructions while police officers also remained present during the meeting.

SC adjourns Article 63A revision plea hearing amid heated exchanges

He clarified that this was not a typical lawyer-client meeting. Barrister Zafar further stated that the Imran Khan had requested to appear via video link and raised concerns about whether he would be allowed to represent himself in the case.

In the courtroom, Ali Zafar briefly mentioned a proposed constitutional amendment, which prompted Chief Justice Isa to intervene and stop him from pursuing the topic. The Chief Justice remarked that Zafar’s line of argument was unnecessary, while Zafar claimed he was being cut off after allowed to speak only for a few seconds.

“If you allow me to talk, I will take seven minutes and leave,” Zafar argued. Chief Justice Isa, in response, assured him, “If you speak for six hours, I will listen.” He urged Zafar not to waste time, reminding him of his seniority and his former position as President of the Bar. However, Zafar reiterated his intent to speak on behalf of the PTI founder, noting that the founder had reservations about the current bench’s formation.

Zafar also alluded to a potential government plan to introduce amendments to the constitution, stating that it was being widely reported in the press. The Chief Justice dismissed these claims, asserting that the court had no knowledge of such amendments and suggested that Zafar was raising political issues for headlines.

Article 63A review plea: SC delves on vote counting and no-confidence motion

Justice Jamal Mandokhail weighed in, advising Zafar to start from the beginning if he wanted to discuss broader matters, while Chief Justice Isa warned that Zafar’s political remarks seemed aimed at generating media attention.

Barrister Zafar then announced that his client, Imran Khan, had raised concerns with the composition of the bench, and therefore he, as the counsel, was boycotting from the proceedings.

The Supreme Court accepted the review plea of Section 63A verdict. The revision of Article 63A of the Constitution was approved. The majority decision of the Supreme Court was annulled with the unanimous verdict delivered today by the five-judges in the bench.

The apex court announced a summary judgment. The detailed verdict will be announced later.