ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has remarked PTI should play its role in Parliament. He further observed millions of people have been rendered homeless in floods at present. Neither drinking water is available nor food to eat. People are coming from abroad to help flood victims. See economic situation of country too”. He gave these remarks while presiding over two members bench of Supreme Court (SC) during hearing of an appeal filed by PTI against an Islamabad High Court decision about ‘peacemeal’ approval of resignations purportedly from its 123 MNAs.

Faisal Siddiqui, counsel for PTI argued at inception of hearing of case that Qasim Suri had accepted resignations. If resignations are accepted once then they cannot be verified again. Election can not be held in favourite constituencies. He argued no member of Assembly except  Shakoor Shad had denied tendering of resignation. High Court maintained it cannot interfere in Speaker job. On other hand it suspended Speaker order on petition of Shakoor Shad. Imran Khan collected Rs 13.5 billion to help flood affectees. PTI members are busy in their respective constituencies in helping flood victims. CJP remarked Speaker has his own procedure to verify resignations of members of Assembly. How can we interfere. Every institution has its own capability.

Has Speaker been ever asked why he is not verifying resignations. Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Athar Minallah has given verdict after careful consideration. It is very difficult for court to make such interference in work of Speaker. Qasim Suri decision seemed to have been taken with intent what he had given in no trust motion.  There is a complete system for general election. Turn out is low in by polls.

Justice Ayesha Malik remarked no mention about name of any member of Assembly is made in Qasim Suri decision whose resignations were accepted. PTI as a party can come to court how. Giving resignation is individual act of member of Assembly. PTI has what problem with scrutiny. CJP remarked people have elected for five years. We want PTI plays its role in Parliament. Playing  role in Parliament is real duty. If PTI knew how much expenses will be incurred on holding by polls on 123 seats. We are giving another chance to think and seek instructions from party. Court while giving more time to Faisal Chaudhry counsel for PTI for preparation in connection with case adjourned hearing of case for indefinite period.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 23 2022

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