Case Background
The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s constitutional bench, led by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, will decide whether overseas Pakistanis can vote in national elections. The case was filed by Sheikh Rasheed, who appeared with his legal team.
Hearing Details
At the start of the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer highlighted the issue of voting rights for Pakistanis abroad. Justice Jamal Mandokhail humorously mentioned that the case would be heard soon, as elections are not immediately due. Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan confirmed that a decision would be made before the 2029 elections and set the next hearing for two weeks.
Timeline for Decision on Voting Rights
| Event | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Petition Filed | Petition details not specified. |
| First Hearing | Constitutional bench hears the case. |
| Next Hearing | Scheduled in two weeks from first hearing. |
| Decision Expected | Before 2029 general elections. |
Prohibited Bore Arms Licenses Case
Arms License Regulations
In a separate matter, the bench heard the case regarding prohibited bore arms licenses. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Additional Attorney General clarified that provinces can only issue licenses for regular firearms, not for prohibited bore weapons.
Court’ Concerns on Public Safety
Justice Musarrat Hilali noted that while licenses aren’t typically applied for in KP, there is a widespread presence of weapons. Justice Jamal Mandokhail emphasized that the government must address this issue. Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi raised concerns about advanced weapons being available to terrorists, stressing the need for public safety.
Psychological Testing Suggestion
Justice Rizvi proposed that psychological tests be conducted for applicants before they are issued weapons licenses. The government’s lawyer confirmed that even rocket launchers are available in tribal areas, adding to the severity of the issue.
Summary of Arms License Case
| Event | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Arms License Issuance | Provinces only issue licenses for regular firearms. |
| Government’s Admission | Rocket launchers are available in tribal areas. |
| Court’s Decision | Case disposed after hearing. |
| Psychological Testing Proposal | Suggested before issuing licenses. |
Supreme Court Key Actions
The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench is expected to make an important decision on overseas Pakistanis’ voting rights, possibly setting a precedent for future elections. Meanwhile, the arms license case was disposed of, but it raised important questions about public safety and responsible weapons ownership.
Key Takeaways
Both cases reflect the Supreme Court’s focus on addressing national issues. The voting rights case could impact millions of overseas Pakistanis, while the arms license case highlights the need for better control over weapon ownership to enhance public safety.
