CJP observes defection is a menace but lifetime ban would be severe punishment
Five-member bench resumed hearing of the presidential reference seeking the apex court's interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution, related to disqualification of lawmakers over defection.


Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday observed that defection was a "serious menace" in parliamentary politics, but imposing a lifetime ban on dissident legislators would be a "severe punishment".
The remarks came at the hearing of the presidential reference seeking the apex court's interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution, related to disqualification of lawmakers over defection.
Five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, and also comprising Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail.
"For the progress of the country, a stable government is needed," the chief justice said, adding that "the [game of] musical chairs that has been taking place for power since the 1970s must end."
Justice Bandial said while the court cannot amend the law, it can also not allow anyone to "become the beneficiary of detrimental measures".

Kashmir Martyrs’ Day: A historic reminder of struggle and sacrifice
- 3 hours ago
WWE icon Goldberg bids farewell after 27-year wrestling career
- 2 hours ago

High risk near rivers as Tarbela spillways open today
- an hour ago
Rawalpindi to Multan bus meets accident; 5 in critical condition
- 2 hours ago
Iran confirms assassination attempt on President Pezeshkian amid Israeli airstrikes
- an hour ago

Wildlife force deployed as no-bird zones enforced near Lahore airport
- 2 hours ago

Yanks' Rodon replaces Fried on AL All-Star team
- 11 hours ago
Pakistan won’t send hockey teams to India: govt sources
- 20 hours ago

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025: the 7 biggest announcements
- 12 hours ago
PTI caravan reaches Lahore; four detained
- 18 hours ago
PTI launches 90-day ‘do or die’ movement across Pakistan
- 2 hours ago

Galaxy Z Fold 7 hands-on: Samsung finally made the foldables we’ve been asking for
- 12 hours ago