Gilgit (Correspondent): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has asked the federal government to avoid appointing judges to the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan. The apex court issued a restraining order on the appointment of judges until the judgment of the case.
According to details, on Wednesday, a two-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz-ul-Ahsan and Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi heard the case against the appointment of judges in Gilgit-Baltistan. The judges stopped the Prime Minister to appoint judges in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan also issued a notice to the judges appointed in the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court through the Registrar.
It is pertinent to note that the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has approached the Supreme Court against the appointment of judges. The federal government asked the court for more time to respond. The Additional Attorney General said that one week should be given.
Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan’s lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan opposed the request for time and said that the case has been pending in the Supreme Court for a year. The case is in court yet judges are being appointed.
During the hearing, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi asked whether the Chief Minister’s advice is necessary for the appointment of judges. Additional Attorney General said Aamir Rehman said, he would give detailed arguments on this point. Justice Ejaz-ul-Ahsan said that even if there are no appointments for a couple of weeks, nothing will happen
The Supreme Court has also issued a notice through the Registrar to the judges appointed in the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court.
On this occasion, Justice Ejaz-ul-Ahsan said that the judges have taken charge, and the legality of giving notice to them will be decided at the next hearing. Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi said it would not be appropriate to notice the judges.
Justice Ejaz-ul-Ahsan said who appoints judges in the judiciary of Gilgit-Baltistan. Additional Attorney General said that the appointment of judges in Gilgit-Baltistan is done by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The court adjourned further hearing of the case till March 15.
