Interestingly, the reason given for Awan’s replacement is the suspension of his lawyers’ licence by the Supreme Court in a contempt case.
The decision was taken in light of a summary of the ministry of law and justice that said: “The Supreme Court, in Reference No 1 of 2011 had asked the attorney general for Pakistan, vide para six of the order dated 17-01-2012, to inform the president of Pakistan that in view of the order dated 05-01-2012 and today’s order, the licence of Mr Babar Awan, has temporarily been suspended, therefore it would be appropriate if another counsel is appointed to address arguments in the reference which is one of the most important cases in the history of this court.”
Consequently, the law and justice ministry suggested the prime minister advise the president to appoint another counsel, a statement from the Presidency added, with acting President Nayyar Hussain Bokhari as the signatory.
The court had put off the hearing of the presidential reference after the retirement of some judges in June last year. The hearing resumed in December but after the suspension of Awan’s licence as an advocate, the case was adjourned indefinitely.
Awan, who had resigned as minister to appear before the apex court as a counsel in the presidential reference, has recently been charged with contempt of court for ridiculing the superior judiciary.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2012.
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@Mirza Till sometime back you were trolling 'Asghar Khan's case would never be taken up by this PCO SC' - then what happened?
The PCO SC is not going to decide anything about this case just like Asghar Khan's case. The judges have political cases to deal with as lower trial court. Why act as the SC and hear murder appeals and constitutional petitions? May be if the CJ is granted yet another extension!