Pakistan’s Supreme Court Ends Lifelong Disqualification of Politicians
Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Monday ruled to end the lifelong disqualification of politicians under Article 62(1)(f) of the constitution.
The court ruled by a 6-1 majority, with Justice Yahya Afridi dissenting.
The ruling comes after years of debate over the constitutionality of lifelong disqualification. The clause was used to disqualify several high-profile politicians, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen.
In a statement, the court said that the lifelong disqualification clause was “unconstitutional and violative of the fundamental rights of the citizens.”
The ruling is a major victory for Sharif and Tareen, who are now eligible to participate in future elections.
The case was heard by a seven-member bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Isa said that the lifelong disqualification clause was “draconian” and “disproportionate.”
He also questioned the constitutionality of the clause, saying that it was “unclear” whether it was intended to apply to all politicians or only to those who had been convicted of a crime.
The court’s ruling is likely to have a significant impact on Pakistani politics. It could lead to a more competitive political landscape, with more politicians eligible to participate in elections.
It is also likely to be met with mixed reactions. Some people may welcome the ruling, saying that it will help to restore democracy in Pakistan. Others may criticize the ruling, saying that it will make it more difficult to hold corrupt politicians accountable.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Monday ruled to end the lifelong disqualification of politicians under Article 62(1)(f) of the constitution. The court ruled by a 6-1 majority, with Justice Yahya Afridi dissenting. The ruling comes after years of debate over the constitutionality of lifelong disqualification. The clause was used to disqualify…