The Senate has introduced the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Amendment Ordinance 2024, which has been referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice.
The ordinance already in effect includes significant amendments aimed at enhancing judicial procedures.
A key provision adds a sub-clause to Section-II of the Practice and Procedure Act, mandating the inclusion of one senior judge and one judge nominated by the Chief Justice of Pakistan in relevant committees.
Moreover, the ordinance stipulates that public interest reasons must be provided before any hearings on matters, alongside provisions for prioritizing cases based on their filing order.
Additionally, the ordinance introduces sections 7A and 7B, ensuring that cases filed first are heard first and requiring documentation for all court cases and appeals.
In a related incident, during the Diwali celebrations, Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, was hailed as a leader by minority member Dinesh Kumar, leading to a clash with Senator Humayun Mohmand, who suggested she sit on the government benches.
Dinesh Kumar expressed his allegiance to Maryam Nawaz, highlighting the growing political dynamics within the assembly.
Senator Talal Chaudhry also criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for welcoming arrested Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government employees with flowers, further intensifying the political atmosphere.
Additionally, a Senate Standing Committee meeting addressed a proposed bill to reuire a graduation qualification for assembly members. The bill’s historical context was brought to light, with references to former President Pervez Musharraf’s intentions to block Benazir Bhutto’s path to Parliament. The discussion was postponed due to the absence of Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, leaving further deliberation
