ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended the notification for the formation of election tribunals and the Lahore High Court’s decision regarding the same. The ruling was made by a five-member larger bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
This decision follows an appeal by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which argued that the establishment of election tribunals falls under its jurisdiction. During the hearing, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s candidate Shaukat Basra lawyer Niazullah Niazi raised objections against Chief Justice Isa, leading to a heated exchange.
Niazullah Niazi, attempted to challenge the bench’s composition and requested that the case be transferred to another bench. Chief Justice Isa dismissed this objection, stating that the current bench would continue the hearing. He questioned Niazi’s interest in the case, emphasizing that it was a matter between the ECP and the Chief Justice, not a private individual.
The Chief Justice and other bench members strongly disapproved of Niazi’s actions, noting that he had raised no objections during previous hearings. They regarded his current objection as an attempt to create headlines and discredit the court. Chief Justice Isa even threatened disciplinary action against Niazi, suggesting that his case be referred to the Pakistan Bar Council.
