Opposition demands full bench of SC to hear case on govt's 'unconstitutional' act

• Opposition says Imran Khan "openly rebelled against the country and Constitution".
• Opposition hopes that top court would pass a ruling in light of justice and in line with Constitution.
• Says Opposition has “proved its clear majority” in National Assembly.

ISLAMABAD: The united Opposition on Sunday evening demanded a full bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan hear a case on the government's "unconstitutional' act tomorrow.

Earlier today, President Arif Alvi, upon the advice of Imran Khan, had dissolved the National Assembly after deputy speaker decided not to allow the Opposition to vote on the no-confidence motion.

According to a joint statement issued by the united Opposition, "Imran Niazi openly rebelled against the country and the Constitution, the punishment for which has been clearly stated in Article 6 of the Constitution — high treason."

The united Opposition, in its statement, further expressed its hope that the top court would pass a ruling in the light of justice and in line with the Constitution. It termed April 3 the “darkest day” in the country’s history, adding that constitutional, democratic, legal and political norms were “violated”.

The statement said that the united Opposition had “proved its clear majority” in the National Assembly and made it clear that it has a majority in the lower house.

The joint Opposition thanked all the friends of the Constitution, people, and democracy for its support.

PM, president's orders to dissolve NA subject to SC's order: CJP Bandial

The joint Opposition’s statement comes after Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial took notice of the political situation in the country and said that "any orders and actions that Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly shall be subject to the order of this court."

Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial reached the top court after President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly. The development came after the Opposition leaders demanded to review the “unconstitutional” ruling given by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.

The apex court has adjourned the hearing till tomorrow (Monday). Meanwhile, the top court has issued notices to Attorney General Khalid Khalid Jawed Khan, the speaker, deputy speaker, defence secretary, interior secretary, and all political parties.

According to reports, the judicial staff also arrived at the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Ijaz ul Haq also reached the Supreme Court.

Nobody should take advantage of the situation: CJP Bandial

Commenting on today’s development, CJP Bandial said that the law-and-order situation should be maintained.

“This is an important matter and a hearing will be held tomorrow,” he said, barring all political parties and government departments to take advantage of the ongoing situation.

Regarding the Opposition’s petition, he said that the hearing should be fixed for PPP’s petition.

'Court cannot interfere much in NA proceedings'

CJP Bandial proposed to make President Alvi a party in this case and said that a hearing will be held tomorrow in this regard after the hearing of the 63A presidential reference.

The top judge further directed all state agencies and provincial law enforcement agencies to maintain the law and order situation in the country.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said that Punjab Assembly’s session was adjourned because of the poor law and order situation in the country.

Meanwhile, Justice Bandial added that the court cannot interfere much in the proceeding of the National Assembly; however, he said the court is aware of the situation there.

Regarding Punjab Assembly’s session, he said the matter will be taken into consideration after a request/petition is filed.

He also mentioned that "symbolic voting" was conducted by the Opposition leaders, highlighting that Ayaz Sadiq conducted the voting on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister and over 200 members of the assembly voted in favour of the motion.