SC gives Sharif's lawyer time to prepare argument in disqualification case

Supreme Court (SC) allowed on Wednesday one week time to deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's lawyer to prepare his case regarding the interpretation of Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution under which Sharif was disqualified.

Azam Tarar, lawyer representing Sharif, had asked the court time to prepare his arguments regarding the case, to which the court granted him time till next week, local media reported.

Earlier on Tuesday, the court had appointed Munir A Malik and Syed Ali Zaffar as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the case. During the hearing, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar said that if disqualification were not for life, then the victims had right to take part in elections. The court might announce ex-parte decision, though based on merit, if the individuals concerned did not attend the hearing, he added.

SC directs Sharif, Tareen to appear before court on Tuesday

The SC had also made a public announcement through a press release, asking the lawmakers disqualified under Article 62(1)(f) to become a party to the case.

A notice was issued by the SC on Sunday to Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Jahangir Tareen to appear before the court on January 30. While Tareen had appeared on the appointed date, Sharif had not appeared, as he had appeared in an accountability court hearing references against him.

A five-member larger bench headed by CJP and comprising Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah is hearing the case filed by 17 petitioners against the disqualification of lawmakers.