SC constitutional bench dissolves over Justice Aaliya's appointment case

The Supreme Court's constitutional bench, tasked with hearing a petition against the appointment of Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aaliya Neelum, dissolved after two judges recused themselves.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the six-member bench, headed by Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan, heard the case on Monday.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked during the hearing that both he and Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan are members of the Judicial Commission, rendering it inappropriate for them to hear the case.

Following their recusal, the bench referred the matter to a new constitutional panel.

During the proceedings, the additional attorney general argued that seniority is not a fundamental right and cited past examples where chief justices were appointed outside the seniority principle.

SC reviews EOBI pensioners' case

In a separate hearing, the Supreme Court's constitutional bench deliberated on the longstanding case concerning pensions for Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) retirees. 

The bench sought a comprehensive report on pension payments and potential increases from the institute.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar enquired whether EOBI is disbursing pensions, to which the institution's counsel responded that the case pertains to a pension increment. 

He counsel added that following the 18th Amendment, the issue of EOBI's provincial transfer lingered for years before the Council of Common Interests decided to retain the institution under federal control. The government has been issuing directives for pension increases, the counsel added.

The petitioner, Muhammad Ashraf, lamented receiving the same Rs 10,500 pension for years, with no significant increase. Justice Mazhar expressed concern over the prolonged delay, noting that the case has been pending since 2013 despite EOBI’s substantial funds.

The court adjourned the case for an indefinite period.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori