KARACHI, (Feb 22): The Awami Workers Party (AWP) has expressed deep concern over the recent verdict of the Supreme Court debarring the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from heading his party but also declaring all acts done, orders passed or steps taken by him since his disqualification on 28th, July 2017, null and void.
The verdict has further deepened the crisis, uncertainty and fueled speculations about the timely holding of Senate elections, Akhtar Hussain Advocate, general-secretary of AWP and member of the Pakistan Bar Council said in a statement.

“AWP has consistently been critical of the ruling class parties’ failure in amending the Constitution and scraping the controversial provisions incorporated by the military dictator General Zia, such as articles 62, 63 or chapter 3-A, particularly Article 203-D, of the Federal Shariat Court while introducing 18th Amendment,” he argued.

Pointing out anomalies in the SC judgment, he said: Firstly, it encroaches upon the fundamental right under section 17 by expanding the scope of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

Secondly, it is contrary to the earlier verdict of the apex court’s larger benches with respect to judges cases wherein, although, the appointment of CJP and other judges was declared illegal and ultra-vires of the constitution, the acts or orders passed by the deposed judges was protected. Contrary to that verdict the present judgment will give the impression of discrimination.

Thirdly, it will exacerbate the confusion, uncertainty and speculations about the forthcoming Senate and general elections, adversely affecting the fundamental rights of those candidates who have filed nominations for the Senate polls, in particular, and the people, in general.

Undemocratic forces may also take benefit of the situation and derail the whole democratic system.
The AWP leader also expressed serious concern over the comments and statements made by the judges, particularly the CJP, during the hearing of cases and public speeches.

“We hope that the judiciary and the political forces will demonstrate sanity and avoid any misadventure that could provide an opportunity to the undemocratic forces to destabilise the democratic system and derail the process,” Advocate Hussain said.

“We hope that all institutions will exercise restraint to maintain the dignity of the institution,” he concluded.