Pakistan Supreme Court resumes crucial hearing to determine Imran Khan’s destiny

The important hearing on the dismissal of a no-confidence motion against embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan by the National Assembly’s deputy speaker and the president’s subsequent dissolution of Parliament continued on Thursday in Pakistan’s Supreme Court.

The important hearing on the dismissal of a no-confidence motion against embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan by the National Assembly’s deputy speaker and the president’s subsequent dissolution of Parliament continued on Thursday in Pakistan’s Supreme Court.

On April 6, 2022, the Supreme Court requested the minutes of the National Security Council meeting in order to learn more about the alleged “foreign conspiracy” as it postponed its decision on whether Prime Minister Khan had broken the law by dissolving Parliament rather than face a no-confidence vote.

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However, on 3 April 2022, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri declared that the no-confidence resolution was tied to a “foreign conspiracy” to destabilise the government and hence could not be sustained. On Prime Minister Khan’s suggestion, President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly minutes afterwards.

Political Pressure or Constitutional Hearing 

On the third day of the hearing, on April 6, 2022, Babar Awan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Ali Zafar of President Alvi appeared.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, who is leading a five-judge panel that includes Justices Ijazul Ahsan, Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Munib Akhtar, and Jamal Khan Mandokhail, questioned Awan about the minutes of the National Security Council meeting where a letter purportedly showing evidence of a “foreign conspiracy” to destabilize the PTI-led government was discussed.

The court is under increasing pressure to end the hearing as soon as possible. And issue an order determining the destiny of the deputy speaker’s ruling. And the subsequent events, including the dissolution of the assembly.

The primary lawyers who will present their views on the case on Thursday are Naeem Bokhari. Counsel for deputy speaker Qasim Suri. And Attorney General Khaled Javed Khan, who will represent the government.

Pakistan Supreme Court responds

During the hearing on April 6, 2022, the chief justice reminded the lawyers that they needed to finish their arguments. As soon as possible so that the bench may issue an order.

The court, however, deferred the case until Thursday since the process had not been finished.

The outcome will determine not only the fate of the no-confidence vote. But also the National Assembly’s dissolution and the future elections.

Elections will be held within 90 days if Khan receives a favorable verdict. Experts predict that if the court finds against the deputy speaker, Parliament would reassemble and vote on Khan’s no-confidence motion.

On April 4, 2022, Chief Justice Bandial indicated the court would give a “reasonable order”. On the matter that has thrown the country into political and constitutional turmoil.

The case has named President Alvi, the Supreme Court Bar Association, and all political parties as respondents.

The constitutionality of the presidential order to dissolve the National Assembly will be determined by the court’s verdict.