Pakistan

PM, Fazl discuss political situation

JUI-F chief congratulates PM Shehbaz on the passage of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill

APP March 30, 2023

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. PHOTO: PM OFFICE

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and discussed the prevailing political situation in the country.

During the meeting held at the Prime Minister House, Maulana Fazlur Rehman congratulated the prime minister on the passage of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill from the Parliament.

He assured of complete cooperation of the allies to the prime minister.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the passage of Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Bill 2023 by the Parliament, expressing confidence that it would institutionally strengthen the apex court.

"It will help make the process of bench formation and exercise of Article 184 (3) transparent and inclusive, thus serving the cause of justice," he said in a tweet.

The passage of the Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Bill 2023 by Parliament today will institutionally strengthen the apex court. It will help make the process of bench formation & exercise of Article 184 (3) transparent & inclusive, thus serving the cause of justice.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 30, 2023

Earlier in the day, the Senate passed the bill aimed at restructuring the suo motu powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the National Assembly unanimously passed the bill that a committee comprising three senior-most judges of the apex court would decide on the suo motu notice, while there would be a right to file an appeal within 30 days of the suo motu decision.

The appeal has to be fixed for hearing within 14 days of filing and after the taking of a suo motu notice, the hearing will be conducted by a three-judge bench, the bill added.

It continued that the decision of the majority in the matter would be acceptable to all.

After the passage of the law, no decision of the SC or high court, or any other legislation would be able to affect it.

Under the additional amendments, the right of appeal would be available in pending cases, while the bench constituted on constitutional as well as legal matters would comprise at least five judges.

(With input from News Desk)