Islamabad : February 21: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has disposed of a petition seeking annulment of February 8 election as petitioner , Brigadier (R) Ali Khan did not turn up to the court despite issuance of notice for today’s hearing. The petitioner had also remained absent from the court on last hearing and the court had issued him notice to ensure his presence on the next hearing fixed for today.
The petitioner had filed the application in SCP for seeking annulment of the election held on February 8,2024. He had sought re-election in Pakistan in 30 days under direct execution and supervision of the judiciary to guarantee fairness and impartiality. The petitioner also pleaded for grant of stay order in the case to stop forming of the new government . A 3-member bench headed by chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) , Faez Esa , heard the petition on Wednesday . Other judges who were part of SCP bench included Justice Mazhar Ali Naqvi and Justice Mussarat Hilali .
On the outset of the hearing , Additional Attorney General (AGG) Amir informed the court that on its orders , the notice was served to the petitioner and a copy of it was also pasted at the gate of the petitioner ‘s house, but he iwas absent from the hearing today again. AAG also informed the court that petitioner is a retired army Brigadier who was court martialed in 2012. CJP ,Faez Esa , read out an email sent to the court by the petitioner . According to the petitioner, he was abroad and hence cannot appear before the court on the hearing . CJP noted that the documents attached with email show that the petitioner left Pakistan very next day after filing the petition .
CJP noted that the petitioner plea seems as a publicity stunt . On this occasion , Shaukat Basra , a Pakistan Tehreek- e Insaf (PTI) leader , walked up to the rostrum and sought permission from the court to speak on the petition . CJP rejected Shaukat Basra’s request and ordered him to take his seat . CJP told Shaukat Basra that since he was neither a petitioner nor a counsel in this case hence he could not be allowed to give arguments in the case. Shaukat Basra , however , insisted to speak out and denied to leave the rostrum .
Shaukat Basra’s ill behaviour created a bad taste in the courtroom and CJP called Pakistan Bar Council President on the rostrum . CJP inquired from PBC president if the court should refer the case of Shaukat Basra to PBC for action. PBC president pleaded CJP to ignore Shaukat Basra ‘s behaviour . CJP accepted PBC president ‘s request and issued a warning to Shaukat Basra not to speak on the issue outside the court. The court later disposed of the petition.
