Daily Times

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has lauded the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify lifetime disqualification of lawmakers, considering it a pivotal step towards restoring constitutional sanity.

According to Marriyum Aurangzeb, PML-N Central Secretary Information and former federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, this ruling vindicates party supremo Nawaz Sharif and reinstates his honour. Aurangzeb condemned the short-lived vengeful actions of former chief justice Saqib Nisar, stating they have been dishonourably discarded.

The apex court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Yahya Afridi, Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Musarrat Hilali, declared the lifetime disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution null and void. The decision passed with a majority of 6:1, with Justice Yahya Afridi dissenting.

Marriyum emphasised that the Supreme Court’s decision reaffirms the supremacy of the Constitution and criticised the provision of lifetime disqualification, labeling it as a tool created to persecute and exclude Nawaz Sharif from Pakistani politics.

She called for accountability for those responsible for introducing such provisions, deeming it a serious offense against the Constitution of Pakistan.

In her statement, Marriyum urged this decision to serve as a lesson for the present and future, emphasising that true representatives of the people, supported by unwavering national love, cannot be eliminated due to the conspiratorial designs of a few individuals. She highlighted the historical vindication of Nawaz Sharif and the dishonourable dismissal of Saqib Nisar’s vengeful actions.

Stressing the need for stringent consequences, Marriyum advocated for preventing any attempts to abrogate the Constitution for political gains. She asserted that the principle of constitutional sanctity and sanity should apply not only to Nawaz but to all patriotic political leaders of Pakistan.

Acknowledging Nawaz’s patience, faith in God Almighty, and trust in the judicial system despite facing victimisation, Marriyum concluded by underlining that the power to qualify or disqualify representatives lies with the people of Pakistan through their votes.