ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) CJP Qazi Faez Isa, Chairman Division Bench, heard a review petition regarding the interpretation of Article 63-A, where Justice Muneeb Akhtar – a member of the bench – remained absent from the hearing and did not appear. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa called the Attorney General to the stand and read out a letter from Justice Muneeb Akhtar – who refused to sit on the bench constituted by the current committee. In his letter, Justice Muneeb clarified that he was not refusing to hear the case but objected to the formation of the bench. Chief Justice Faiz Isa replied that if a bench had already been constituted, any member who wanted to excuse himself from the case had to do so in open court. The CJ remarked that he would try to convince Justice Muneeb to join the bench; however, in case of failure, a new bench would be formed. He then adjourned the hearing until tomorrow until Judge Muneeb makes a decision. PTI chairman Barrister Ali Zafar claimed during the meeting that the committee can form a valid bench only when all three members are present and argued that a decision cannot be taken if one member is absent. Chief Justice Faiz Isa disagreed, arguing that such restrictions would render the court inactive. He emphasized that leaving cases to the discretion of a single individual would hinder the functioning of the institution. The case was adjourned until tomorrow as efforts continue to get Justice Muneeb Akhtar back on the bench. The CJP noted that if Justice Muneeb Akhter refused, the bench could be restored.
