Election Dates Case: Suo Motu Bench of Supreme Court Dissolves

The nine-member bench of the Supreme Court, which was hearing a suo moto case regarding election dates in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been disbanded after four judges recused themselves to ensure impartial adjudication.

Ruling Coalition parties including PPP, JUI-F, and PML-N, as well as the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), objected to the presence of Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ijazul Ahsan on the bench, demanding that two judges recuse themselves.

The bench was originally set to commence proceedings at 11:30am, but was delayed due to informal consultations between jurists, ultimately resulting in its disbandment.

Following objections from coalition parties, a 14-page order was issued by the top court. The original nine-member bench comprised the CJP, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah.

However, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Yahya Afridi have recused from the bench.