Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan Added to SC Bench for Article 63-A Review Case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan reconstituted its five-member bench to hear the Article 63-A review case after Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah refused to join. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan has been added to the bench, which is led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The case pertains to a review petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) regarding the court’s May 2022 ruling on the defection clause under Article 63-A.

At the outset of the hearing, the SCBA President Shahzad Shaukat and PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar approached the bench. Chief Justice Isa explained the bench’s reconstitution, highlighting that the process was conducted transparently, with nothing done behind closed doors.

The CJP further mentioned that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah declined to be part of the committee responsible for forming the bench. In his place, Justice Afghan was added to ensure the proceedings could continue without disrupting the work of other benches.

Chief Justice Isa emphasized that the SCBA’s review petition was based on constitutional grounds rather than political motivations, a sentiment echoed by SCBA President Shahzad Shaukat.

As the session began, Barrister Ali Zafar attempted to raise an objection but was told by the CJP that his concerns would be addressed later in the proceedings. The court adjourned after hearing initial arguments and will resume hearing from the remaining lawyers tomorrow.