Islamabad: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan hinted at filing reference against three Supreme Court judges hearing Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa election delay case.

Move from the government comes after three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, refused to form full court bench despite appeals by ruling alliance and continued to hear case after recusals. Case involves petition from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf seeking judicial order for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI, following directives of party Chief Imran Khan had dissolved its provincial assemblies in two provinces in January this year, looking for early elections.

Tensions have escalated following top court’s order on March 1 to Election Commission of Pakistan to hold elections in the two provinces within 90 days of dissolution of two assemblies.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, in recent interview said that government has not so far decided to file reference against three-member bench, including Chief Justice, but it may do so. Government can bring references against judges who it has reservations, he noted, adding government may hold discussions to file references against judges as it has serious concerns. Rana Sanaullah said that three judges have long record of giving anti-PML-N rulings.

There is also verdict, which has been termed equivalent to rewriting Constitution by not only Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz but also everyone else who knows little bit of law, he said, referring to interpretation of Article 63(A) by apex court.

He said that under Article 63(A) verdict, PML-N government was overthrown in Punjab. It still appears that three judges are determined to make this verdict themselves at any cost.

He said that bench comprising nine members was initially formed, but was subsequently reduced to seven, then to five and further to four. Currently, bench is composed of three judges, he pointed out.

All three judges have rejected the request to form full court bench, he said, adding they three judges have refused to acknowledge request from their fellow judges.

He called on PTI Chief Imran Khan to directly approach Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Asif Zardari, or Shehbaz Sharif, if he is serious about negotiations as offer from others made on Khan’s behalf has no significance. Imran Khan has not made any personal overtures towards talks, he noted.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 03 2023

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