Lawmakers’ oath not in constitution, SHC told

Petitioner Haji Ahmed challenges qualification of all members of senate, assemblies for swearing on “un-Islamic” oaths

KARACHI:

While the election form signed by the contesting candidates is consistent with Islamic laws, the oath form sworn by the elected lawmakers is not a part of the constitution.

This has been stated by the ministry of law, justice and parliamentary affairs in its reply to a petition in the Sindh High Court.

Petitioner Haji Gul Ahmed had challenged the qualification of all the members of senate and national and provincial assemblies for swearing on “un-Islamic” oaths.

Ahmed sought a direction to the authorities concerned to take measures to legislate in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah.

On Tuesday, DAG Ashfaq Ahmed Tagar filed the comments from the law ministry, explaining that the constitution does not contain the oath form. The petitioner may, however, approach the Federal Shariat Court in terms of Article 203-D of the constitution, replied the ministry, appealing the court dismiss the petition by imposing heavy fine on the petitioner. The hearing was put off to January 11.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2013.