ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court will today rule on a case related to the dissolution of parliament amid continuing political uncertainty in Pakistan. The Supreme Court will today rule on whether the dismissal of President Arif Alvi by parliament on the recommendation of Prime Minister Imran Khan is lawful. The Supreme Court adjourned the case till today to hear further arguments against the rejection of the no-confidence motion and the subsequent dissolution of Parliament. This was after a 3 hour long argument in a crowded courtroom.
A bench of Chief Justice Omar Bandyal, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mashar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Muneeb Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail heard the case. The Chief Justice rejected the demand for a verdict on Monday. The arguments of all the parties will be heard before the verdict is pronounced. The party has joined President Arif Alvi, the Supreme Court Bar Association and political parties. The argument will take place this afternoon. The court will review all decisions made by the president and prime minister in connection with the no-confidence motion.
Meanwhile, Justice Ahsan is reported to have mentioned that there were some provisions in the no-confidence motion proceedings. The Chief Justice also observed that although the law clearly states that a debate should be held before a vote, it has not taken place. Justice Akhtar expressed doubts about the power of the Deputy Speaker to give the ruling.
Meanwhile, PTI reported that Moid Yousaf, Pakistan’s national security adviser, has resigned. Prime Minister Imran Khan has nominated former Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed to be the caretaker Prime Minister amid continuing uncertainty. This was in the wake of President Arif Alvi’s letter to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition Shahbaz Sharif asking them to nominate the caretaker Prime Minister. Shahbaz, however, declined to be named as the dismissal itself was unconstitutional. Imran will remain prime minister until a new one is appointed.
English Summary: Pakistan’s top court to rule on Imran Khan issue today; NSA resigns amid ongoing political crisis