Tag : Assembly

Islamabad: Pakistan's Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Thursday noted that National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri's move to dismiss a no-confidence motion against embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan through a controversial ruling is, prima facie, a violation of article 95 of the constitution as the apex court heard the high-profile case for the fourth day. Chief Justice Bandial, who is heading a five-member bench comprising Justices Ijazul Ahsan, Mohammad Ali Mazhar Miankhel, Munib Akhtar and Jamal Khan Mandokhail, made the observation during the hearing on Thursday. Pressure is mounting on the court to conclude the hearing at the earliest. During the hearing on the fourth day, Chief Justice Bandial noted that deputy speaker's ruling is, prima facie, a violation of Article 95. Earlier, Barrister Ali Zafar, representing President Arif Alvi, presented his arguments. Bandial questioned Zafar where the constitutional crisis in the country was, if everything was happening as per the constitution, the report said. The top judge also asked the counsel why he was not explaining whether or not there was a constitutional crisis in the country. "If everything is happening according to the constitution, where is the crisis?" the chief justice asked. During the hearing, Zafar was asked by Justice Miankhel if the prime minister was the people's representative. The lawyer replied in the affirmative. Miankhel then inquired if the premier would be protected if the constitution was violated in parliament. At this, Zafar replied that the constitution must be protected in accordance with the rules it underlines. He said that in order to protect the constitution, each and every article had to be kept in mind. Justice Bandial then asked what woul ...