A larger bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan that is hearing the presidential reference seeking the interpretation of Article 63-A of the constitution has asked a few key questions from the lawyer representing the opposition party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Justice Munib Akhtar told PML-N lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan to come up with answers to the following questions.
- Article 63-A is meant to prevent defections in political parties, and isn’t it true that preventing defection is a fundamental right of a political party?
- In a parliamentary democracy, isn’t it possible to prevent an anti-constitutional measure for the sake of stability?
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial informed the PML-N lawyer that the bench would not be available on Thursday and Friday. He directed Makhdoom Ali Khan to complete his argument within two hours on Wednesday to which he replied that he would attempt to be concise.
The court has adjourned until 11am on Wednesday.
Earlier, during the hearing the Attorney General of Pakistan Khalid Javed Khan offered a clarification from Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said that the premier held the Supreme Court and the judges in high esteem.
