Commences pending cases’ hearing; Dismisses plea challenging appointment of ex-CJP Isa as BHC CJ
A six-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has sought reports from the provinces on climate change measures.
The bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, began hearing a petition on environmental pollution on Thursday. The bench included Justices Jamal Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Musarrat Hilali.
This is the first case on environmental pollution before the constitutional bench, which aims to address all related environmental issues. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that rapid expansion of housing societies is impacting the environment, while Justice Musarrat Hilali referenced a letter from Justice Nasim Hasan Shah expressing concern over Islamabad becoming an industrial zone.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail highlighted that pollution is a nationwide issue, not limited to Islamabad. He noted that vehicular emissions are a major contributor and questioned efforts to curb them.
The SC constitutional bench has requested federal and provincial governments to submit detailed reports on their actions to reduce pollution. In response to a request from the Additional Attorney General, the hearing was adjourned for three weeks, with reports on anti-pollution measures due by then.
The constitutional bench dismissed a review petition challenging the appointment of Qazi Faez Isa as the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court. SC’s six-member bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the petition filed by Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi. In his arguments, Rahi requested five minutes to present his case, to which the court remarked that the review petition had lost its relevance.
Justice Musarrat Hilali commented, “It’s time to leave Qazi Faez Isa alone; this podium is not meant for political speeches.” Justice Mandokhail added, “This is a review, and the case cannot be reopened.”
In response, Rahi mentioned the Bhutto case, saying the court took 40 years to decide it. Justice Hilali replied, “The Bhutto reference was a different case with different facts.” Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked, “Counsel, you’re not listening. Why are you getting angry?”
