Pakistan’s apex court continues to be exemplar

Barring Sharif from any party position will hold good for other leaders found guilty of similar misconduct

Pakistan’s apex court has once again shown its supremacy when it barred the ousted Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif from holding any office in his party, Pakistan Muslim League — Nawaz (PML-N).

The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, ruled on Wednesday that an individual disqualified for “being dishonest” under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution cannot serve as head of a political party. The decision has not only sent Sharif packing, but also shocked all the other political parties’ heads as this will have a great impact on Pakistan’s electoral system.

Sharif had earlier been disqualified from holding any public office and removed from premiership in the ‘Panamagate’ judgement last July, under charges of not being “honest” and “truthful” in discharging his obligations as a lawmaker. With that court ruling, Sharif also lost his party’s presidency. However, PML-N, which holds a majority in the Lower House of parliament, passed a law to counter the court’s decision and paved the way for Sharif to once again return as chairman of the party. This move was challenged in court and after about six months, the court has overruled the parliament’s decision and once again disqualified Sharif from holding any position within PMLN. This ruling will now hold good for any other political leader as well, found guilty of a similar misconduct as Sharif’s.

The verdict is important and timely because a head of a political party ought to be an upright and honest person. Sharif and his party should accept the decision and shun the practice of ‘playing victim’ when punished. Court rulings should be upheld and respected by all to ensure rule of law prevails in the country.