ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government’s appeal against a Supreme Court judgment barring opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and his brother from contesting elections has taken on a political hue with the duo undecided on whether they should assist the court in the proceedings.
At issue is the composition of a bench that will begin the hearings on Monday.
“Petitions to become party are ready, but decision to file them depends on composition of the larger bench. If a majority on the bench is of judges who took oath under the Provisional Constitution Order, the petitions will not be filed,” Dawn yesterday quoted a source in Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as saying.
If the petitions are filed, renowned lawyer Abid Hasan Minto will represent Sharif and former advocate general of Punjab Khawaja Haris will appear for Shahbaz.
Citing corruption charges, the Supreme Court had on Feb. 25 barred the Sharif brothers from contesting elections and holding public office.
The decision led to the collapse of Shahbaz’s government in Punjab and the imposition of governor’s rule in the province.
