F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Chief Jus-tice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday noted that the disqualified parliamentarians need to prove their probity through their conduct once declared dishonest under Article 62(1)(f) of the constitution
A five-judge larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, heard the petititions seeking determination of the time period of the parliamentarians’ disqualification.
During the court proceedings today, the disqualification of PML-N senator Nehal Hashmi on early Thursday morning was also discussed as one of the petitioners’ counsel said he could not present his arguments after the court’s ruling in contempt case against Hashmi.
Lawyer Kamran Murtaza said the court’s ruling had disappointed him. To which, the CJP rem-arked the ruling was given according to the law. The la-wyer then contended that a-ny disqualified person cou-ld contest by-elections as the Article 62(1) (f) bars a parliamentarian from contestin-g election for a single term.
At this, Chief Justice said the bench has to determine the time duration of disqualification applicable to a concerned person under Article 62(1)(f) of the constitution.
Justice Nisar then inquired whether all political parties retained Article 62(1)(f) during the Eighteenth Amen-dment of the Constitution in 2010.
A petitioner’s counsel apprised the bench that the political parties did not amend the article under stress of religious elements.
The CJP then remarked all disqualified lawmakers need to prove their honesty through their conduct. The hearing was then adjourned until February 7 (Wednesday).
