Islamabad, The Supreme Court of Pakistan, in a landmark decision, has overturned the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution. The verdict, delivered by a seven-member larger bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, was decided by a majority of 6-1.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the decision effectively reinstates the eligibility of all aspirants previously disqualified under Article 62(1)(f) to contest elections. The article had previously been interpreted as imposing a lifetime ban on lawmakers for certain disqualifications. Justice Yahya Afridi was the sole member of the bench to dissent from the majority decision.
This ruling marks a significant shift in the legal landscape of Pakistan’s political system, potentially altering the future of many politicians and lawmakers affected by the previous interpretation of Article 62(1)(f). The Supreme Court’s verdict is expected to have widespread implications, particularly as it relates to the political careers of numerous individuals previously barred from holding office or contesting elections.