Overseas Pakistanis' voting rights: SC sets decision timeline
Constitutional bench head vows to make decision before next general elections: SC also disposes of prohibited bore arms licenses case:
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The Supreme Court's constitutional bench has indicated it will decide on the matter of overseas Pakistanis’ voting rights before the next general elections, scheduled constitutionally for 2029.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, a six-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, conducted the hearing. Petitioner Sheikh Rasheed appeared before the bench with his legal team.
At the beginning of the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer stated that the case involves the issue of overseas Pakistanis’ right to vote. Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked, smiling, “There is not much time today, but we will hear this case soon as elections are not happening yet.”
He added humorously, “We will decide this case before the next elections.” And then, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, heading the bench, announced that the next hearing of the case would take place after two weeks.
Bench disposes of prohibited bore arms licenses case
In a separate hearing, the constitutional bench addressed the matter of issuing prohibited bore arms licenses and disposed of the suo motu notice after hearing arguments from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Additional Attorney General.
During the proceedings, the additional attorney general informed the court that the Supreme Court had raised six questions regarding the issuance of arms licenses, and responses to these queries had been submitted.
The additional attorney general clarified that provinces do not have the authority to issue prohibited bore arms licenses and can only issue licenses for ordinary firearms.
Justice Musarrat Hilali commented that while no one applies for licenses in KP, everyone seems to possess weapons. Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked, “Everyone is carrying weapons; murders are happening across the country, and the government must address this.”
Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi noted, “If terrorists have advanced weapons, citizens also need to ensure their safety.” He also asked the public lawyer about conducting any psychological tests for applicants before issuing them weapons' licenses.
Interestingly, the government’s lawyer admitted that in tribal areas, even rocket launchers are available.
Subsequently, the constitutional bench disposed of the suo motu notice regarding the issuance of prohibited bore arms licenses.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori