Islamabad: September 30, 2024

The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the review petition on the interpretation of Article 63-A after Justice Munib Akhtar withdrew from the bench. The hearing, which was set to begin at 11:30 AM, saw the attendance of only four judges, as Justice Munib Akhtar was absent.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who headed the five-member bench, announced that the court would ask Justice Munib to rejoin the bench. However, the case will proceed on the next hearing date, with or without his presence. Justice Akhtar had written a letter to the registrar, expressing his reasons for stepping back due to concerns over the recently amended Practice and Procedure Committee.

Justice Akhtar’s withdrawal led to the adjournment of the hearing until the following day. The bench, formed by Chief Justice Isa, included Justice Ameeruddin Khan, Justice Jamal Mandokhail, and Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel.

The case revolves around the interpretation of Article 63-A, a constitutional clause that was previously ruled on in May 2022 by a bench led by former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. The decision had a 3-2 majority, with Justice Akhtar being one of the three judges supporting the interpretation.

The adjournment adds another delay to the high-profile case, which has been pending for two years. The next hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, with uncertainty over whether Justice Akhtar will rejoin the proceedings.