ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Umer Ata Bandial termed Article 62(1)(f) of Constitution that imposes a lifetime ban of politicians a “draconian” law. Chief Justice made these remarks while a hearing a petition filed by PTI leader Faisal Vawda against his lifetime disqualification in a case pertaining to submission of a false affidavit about his US nationality.

A three-member bench of apex court headed by CJ Umer Ata Bandial heard case.

“Article 62 (1)(f) is a draconian law and we will hear this case with caution and in detail,” CJP said. PTI’s Faisal Vawda filed a petition in top court in February under Article 185(3) of Constitution for leave to appeal against order of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dated February 9 and February 16 Islamabad High Court judgment.

Vawda had contended that ECP order and IHC judgment are arbitrary and without lawful authority and of no legal effect, adding that it is also contrary to judgments of apex court. He prayed to court to set aside order of ECP and IHC. When SC bench took up case, Vawda’s counsel Waseem Sajjad said that his client contested polls in 2018 and after two years a petition was filed in high court seeking his disqualification.

At this, CJP said that ECP has authority to investigate a false affidavit submission, adding that even if Supreme Court revokes order, facts would remain same.

“Election Commission has properly examined facts in Faisal Vawda’s case, only question here is whether ECP can order disqualification for life or not.” Later, hearing was adjourned till October 6.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 05 2022

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