Islamabad, 11 Oct 2023:The Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, upheld the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act of 2023, dismissing petitions that challenged its constitutionality, as per a press release from MOIB. With a majority decision of 10-5, the verdict declared that the Act aligns with the Constitution, thus rendering the opposing petitions dismissed. Noteworthy is the division among the Justices, with five opting to dissent the majority ruling.

During the hearing, the full court of the Supreme Court deliberated upon the petitions, resulting in the predominant affirmation that the Supreme Court Procedure and Practice Act 2023 remains steadfast and in adherence to constitutional stipulations. Therefore, the petitions challenging it were not accepted.

The dissenting justices in this case – Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha A Malik, and Justice Shahid Waheed – opposed the majority decision, providing a semblance of the various perspectives within the judicial body concerning the Act.

The upholding of the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023 signifies a pivotal legal endorsement for the regulations and procedures that are embedded within it. It delineates how the country’s highest court is to navigate its practices and procedures moving forward, ensuring they align with the established legal and constitutional framework of Pakistan.