The Supreme Court on Wednesday restrained Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from appointing judges in the Gilgit-Baltistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The Supreme Court issued a stay order in this regard till decision of the case.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan had moved the Supreme Court against judges appointment in the GB.
The federal government has sought more time to submit its reply in the court. The Additional Attorney General pleaded for a week time to submit reply by the government.
The counsel for the GB CM opposed the request for grant of more time to submit reply.
Makhdoom Ali Khan said that the case was pending with the court for the last one year. He said the case was subjudice even then the government was appointing judges in Gilgit-Baltistan.
During hearing, Justice Mazhar Ali Naqvi asked the additional attorney general if the chief minister’s advice was necessary to appoint judges in the GB.
The additional attorney general replied that he will advance arguments in detail on the issue.
Justice Ejazul Ahsan remarked that if appointments could not be made for a week or two, nothing will happen.
The Supreme Court, through the registrar, issued notices to judges appointed at GB Supreme Appellate Court. Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi remarked that issuing notices to judges seemed not appropriate.
“Who appoints judges in GB? asked Justice Ejazul Ahsan.
The additional attorney general said that appointment of judges are made by prime minister.
The judges have assumed charge at GP Supreme Appellate Court and the legal aspect to issue them notices will be settled in the next hearing, remarked Justice Ejazul Ahsan.
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing till March 15.
The case is being heard by two-member bench headed by Justice Ejazul Ahsan.
Reporter Amanat Gishkori