The Supreme Court of Pakistan has barred Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif from appointing judges in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The apex court announced this verdict while hearing a case against the appointment of judges in Gilgit-Baltistan. During the hearing, the federal government sought more time to respond. The Additional Attorney General stated that one week's respite should be given.
The Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister’s lawyer, Makhdoom Ali Khan, opposed the request for time. He said that the case has been pending for a year, the case is in court, yet judges are being appointed.
Justice Mazahir Naqvi inquired whether the chief minister's advice is necessary for the appointment of judges. The additional attorney general responded by saying that he would present detailed arguments on this point. Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan remarked that even if there are no appointments for a couple of weeks, nothing will happen.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the judges appointed to the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court through the Registrar.
Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan remarked that the legality of giving notice to the judges who have taken charge would be determined at the next hearing. At the same time, Justice Mazahir Naqvi said it would not be appropriate to give notice to the judges.
"Who appoints judges in Gilgit-Baltistan?" asked Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan. The Additional Attorney General responded that the judges are appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The court adjourned the hearing till March 15.
It is pertinent to mention here that the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan had approached the Supreme Court against the appointment of judges.
The apex court announced this verdict while hearing a case against the appointment of judges in Gilgit-Baltistan. During the hearing, the federal government sought more time to respond. The Additional Attorney General stated that one week's respite should be given.
The Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister’s lawyer, Makhdoom Ali Khan, opposed the request for time. He said that the case has been pending for a year, the case is in court, yet judges are being appointed.
Justice Mazahir Naqvi inquired whether the chief minister's advice is necessary for the appointment of judges. The additional attorney general responded by saying that he would present detailed arguments on this point. Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan remarked that even if there are no appointments for a couple of weeks, nothing will happen.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the judges appointed to the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court through the Registrar.
Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan remarked that the legality of giving notice to the judges who have taken charge would be determined at the next hearing. At the same time, Justice Mazahir Naqvi said it would not be appropriate to give notice to the judges.
"Who appoints judges in Gilgit-Baltistan?" asked Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan. The Additional Attorney General responded that the judges are appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The court adjourned the hearing till March 15.
It is pertinent to mention here that the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan had approached the Supreme Court against the appointment of judges.