SCBA chief opposes life-long disqualification under Article 62(1)f

Ahsan Bhoon calls for setting some parameters for invoking suo moto powers

ISLAMABAD:

The newly-elected President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Ahsan Bhoon said on Wednesday the decision of disqualifying former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Jahangir Tareen for life should be reviewed.

Talking to reporters after meeting with Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, along with other office-bearers of the SCBA, Bhoon called for interpreting Article 62(1)f of the Constitution, which stipulates the qualification of a public office holder.

He announced that the SCBA would file a constitutional petition, seeking interpretation of Article 62(1)f. He opposed the disqualification of a person for life. “Allah does not close the door of repentance. No human being has the divine authority,” Bhoon told reporters.

Bhoon also said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws were enacted while keeping persons in mind. Therefore, he added, the SCBA will also file a petition regarding the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO).

He said that the Supreme Court always stood by the democratic forces. However, he stressed that political leadership must believe in the power of the people. “With trust in the people, they could change the system,” he added.

The SCBA president mentioned that the Supreme Court had given six months’ time to parliament for legislation about the extension in the tenure of the army chief. He added that the legislation got more votes than the prime minister himself.

Read: SCBA asked to bridge govt-opposition gap

Commenting on judicial matters, Bhoon called for setting parameters for the invoking of suo moto powers by the chief justice. “There should be right to appeal against decisions under section 184(3),” he said.

Asked about the issue of judges’ appointment, the SCBA president said that since judges outnumber the bar representatives in the judicial commission, therefore, the voice of the bar was not heard. In the past, he added, some appointments in the judiciary were not in accordance with the principles of justice.

“Justice will be served only when there are good judges,” he continued. “The appointment of judges should be based on merit,” he added. He also said that so far no compensation had been paid to the victims of the Army Public School seven years ago.

Responding to another question, Bhoon said he also raised the issue of delay in the disposal of the case. “Many cases are lying pending. Judgments are reserved for months and even years, which creates doubts,” he added.