NA dissolution: CJP observes all orders, actions commenced by PM, president subject to court order

Islamabad: All orders and actions initiated by the prime minister and president about the dissolution of the National Assembly will be subject to the court's order, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial said on Sunday. 

According to the the spokesperson of the apex court, the chief justice made the observation after taking notice of the current situation in the country following the dismissal of a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan by National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri and the subsequent dissolution of the NA by President Arif Alvi.

A three-member bench of the top court comprising CJP Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar heard the case and issued notices to all the respondents, including President Alvi and deputy speaker of the NA.

During the hearing, the chief justice further said the law and order situation in the country should not deteriorate, instructing all political parties to act responsibly.

The chief justice said no unconstitutional step should be taken by any state institution and that no one should try to take advantage of the situation. "Public order should be maintained," the CJP said.

He said the court did not want to drag the hearing on account of Ramazan and that notices should be issued to all the political parties. Justice Bandial also ordered the interior and defence secretaries to brief the court on the law and order situation.

The chief justice ordered that the PPP's request be accepted and said the court would review the deputy speaker's actions. The court, however, rejected a request to suspend the deputy speaker's ruling and directed the attorney general to present it tomorrow.

Justice Bandial remarked that President Alvi should be made a respondent in the case since it was an "important matter".

The CJP also ordered that the Supreme Court Bar Association and all political parties be made respondents in the suo motu notice.

He remarked that the court couldn't interfere in the NA's proceedings beyond a certain extent and the court was aware about its situation. 

Justice Bandial added that if a request regarding the PA came then it would be looked into with detail.

The CJP subsequently adjourned the matter till tomorrow while issuing a notice to the Punjab's advocate general.