Supreme Court Issues Show-Cause Notices to Senator

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken action against independent Senator Faisal Vawda and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) leader Mustafa Kamal for their controversial press conferences targeting Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges. Show-cause notices have been issued to both leaders, requiring their appearance before the bench at the next hearing.

The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing, where it addressed the suo motu notice taken against Senator Vawda’s press conference. During the press conference, Vawda criticized the IHC judges over allegations of interference by spy agencies and questioned Justice Babar Sattar’s citizenship.

Following Vawda’s presser, Mustafa Kamal also held a press conference demanding the implementation of dual citizenship laws in all institutions. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the targeting of institutions and emphasized the importance of providing evidence to support such claims.

The apex court’s action comes in response to Vawda’s letter to the IHC registrar seeking disclosure of correspondence between Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Babar Sattar regarding the latter’s green card. In its response, the IHC clarified that residency or citizenship of any country other than Pakistan is not a disqualification for a judge under the country’s Constitution.

During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General for Pakistan appeared before the bench. Chief Justice Isa reiterated the importance of upholding the dignity of institutions and emphasized the need to prevent defamation.

The Supreme Court issued notices to both Vawda and Kamal, summoning them before the bench. It also requested the video recording and transcript of the press conferences and directed PEMRA to provide details of the questions asked and their answers.

The hearing was adjourned till June 5 to allow for further proceedings in the matter.