Country was going through a period of transition: CJP Umar Ata Bandial

ISLAMABAD, June 14 (SABAH): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial observed on Wednesday that the country was going through a period of transition, adding that “we must display patience, fortitude and courage. Let us learn to deal with this situation.” Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial observed that the court will welcome the constitutional amendment for granting right of appeal in Article 184-3, adding that the constitutional authority could be changed through constitutional amendment.

The CJP’s remarks came as a three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) led by him and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar resumed hearing petitions against the recently introduced SC (Review of Judgments and Orders) Bill, 2023.

As the top court resumed proceedings on Wednesday, Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi, one of the lawyers challenging the law, requested the court for permission to read out an application he wished to file with the court concerning his “abduction”.

“On my return from the SC, I was kidnapped on June 6 and pressured to withdraw the petition [against the SC review law]. I seek the court’s permission to read a petition in this regard,” he said.

However, the lawyer was prevented by the CJP from proceeding further. “Do not read it now, we can read it later ourselves,” the top judge said.

Riaz Hanif Rahi protested saying he was “pressurised to leave Islamabad” and said he “wanted to bring some facts to light.”

“Sir, this is your personal matter,” remarked CJP Bandial, “I will accept the application. You may come to my chamber and tell me more.”

During the hearing on Wednesday the counsel of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar concluded his arguments. Chief justice observed that the court will listen the arguments of Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan today (Thursday) and adjourned the further hearing of the case till today (Thursday) at 11:00 AM.