In a decisive 6-1 majority ruling, the Supreme Court dismantled the lifetime disqualification for lawmakers under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution on Monday. This groundbreaking verdict paves the way for the Black political weights, including Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen, to participate in the upcoming general elections. The verdicts open gates for every political convict for further Corruption and dirty politics.
Key Points from the Verdict:
Non-Self-Executing Article: The majority declared Article 62(1)(f) as non-self-executing, emphasizing the absence of specific disqualification procedures. The interpretation of lifetime disqualification exceeded the article’s scope and violated fundamental rights.
Recognition of Amendments: The court acknowledged the Elections (Amendment) Act 2023, which introduced a five-year disqualification period, making Article 62(1)(f) more aligned with fairness and due process.
Clearance for Nawaz and Tareen: The verdict clears the way for Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen to stand in elections, providing relief from the earlier permanency associated with disqualification.
Overruling Previous Judgement: The 2018 judgment in the Samiullah Baloch case, considering the declaration by a civil court as having a lifelong disqualifying effect, was overruled.
The dissenting opinion by Justice Yahya Afridi upheld the validity of the 2018 judgment, asserting that the lack of qualification under Article 62(1)(f) remains effective only during the declared period by a court of law.
Political Responses:
- PML-N hailed the verdict as historic, marking the end of a conspiracy to disqualify Nawaz Sharif for life.
- PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif termed it a victory for truth and Pakistan’s history.
- Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party welcomed the decision as a landmark judgment, removing obstacles in democratic corridors.
- PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari acknowledged it as a good development for democracy.
The court’s ruling brings clarity to the interpretation of Article 62(1)(f) and addresses concerns about fairness, promoting a more balanced electoral landscape.
