CJP observes defection is a menace but lifetime ban would be severe punishment

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".