Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez has sought written explanations from parties seeking to withdraw their pleas regarding the Faizabad sit-in case.
These parties include the federal government, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), the Election Commission of Pakistan, and others.
During the hearing, CJP Qazi Faez expressed surprise at the petitioners’ desire to withdraw their pleas.
The three-member bench, comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aminuddin Khan, convened to review multiple pleas challenging the verdict on the 2017 Faizabad sit-in organized by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) against the then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government.
Before adjourning the hearing until November 1, CJP Qazi Faez remarked that the decision to withdraw their pleas indicated acceptance of the Supreme Court’s order as true. He urged the parties to stand with the truth.
Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan informed the court that the federal government no longer wished to pursue the case due to a change in ruling party. CJP Qazi Faez asked for a reason for the withdrawal, emphasizing the need for a written explanation.
Similarly, Pemra’s counsel, Hafiz Ahsan, also sought to withdraw the plea, prompting CJP Qazi Faez to question the basis for this decision.
The court allowed Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed to appoint new counsel as his previous lawyer had been appointed as a provincial minister.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also expressed its desire not to pursue the case, leading to inquiries from the CJP about their authority to withdraw the petition.
The federal government filed an application earlier today to withdraw its plea against the verdict. Review petitions were filed by various entities, including the Ministry of Defence, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the PTI, Pemra, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, and Ejazul Haq.
This legal saga dates back to April 15, 2019, when the federal government, along with several other parties, filed review pleas contesting the apex court’s judgment on the Faizabad sit-in case, issued by Qazi Faez Isa.
In February 2019, a two-member bench of the apex court recommended strict action against those issuing harmful edicts and emphasized that intelligence agencies should not exceed their mandates.
The 43-page verdict upheld citizens’ right to assemble and protest, provided such actions are peaceful and comply with the law.
The Faizabad sit-in occurred in November 2017, protesting a change in the finality-of-Prophethood oath during the passage of the Elections Act 2017, and concluded after an agreement was reached with the government.
