Pakistan Deputy speaker's ruling prima facie violates Article 95: Chief Justice Bandial

Pressure is mounting on the court to conclude the hearing at the earliest

Pakistan’s Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on April 7 noted that National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s move to dismiss a no-confidence motion against embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan through a controversial ruling is, prima facie, a violation of Article 95 of the Constitution as the apex court heard the high-profile case for the fourth day.

Chief Justice Bandial, who is heading a five-member Bench comprising Justices Ijazul Ahsan, Mohammad Ali Mazhar Miankhel, Munib Akhtar and Jamal Khan Mandokhail, made the observation during the hearing on April 7.

Pressure is mounting on the court to conclude the hearing at the earliest.

During the hearing on the fourth day, Chief Justice Bandial noted that Deputy Speaker’s ruling is, prima facie, a violation of Article 95.

Earlier, Barrister Ali Zafar, representing President Arif Alvi, presented his arguments.

Justice Bandial questioned Barrister Zafar where the constitutional crisis in the country was, if everything was happening as per the Constitution, the report said.

The top judge also asked the counsel why he was not explaining whether or not there was a constitutional crisis in the country.