The Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 was declared “unconstitutional” by the apex court’s unanimous decision on Friday, just two days after the National Assembly was dissolved.

The law was interpreted by some legal analysts as a way back into active politics for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Khan Tareen.

Both Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen were disqualified under Article 62 of the Constitution. After today’s decision, both politicians can’t challenge their disqualification in the apex court.

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Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial headed the three-member bench, comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar. The bench announced the decision today (Friday) after six hearings dating from June 7 to June 19.

During the hearing of the case, Pakistan’s Attorney General (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, requested that the court rejects pleas against the law. On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Ali Zafar, said that changes in the court’s power were not possible only through legislation but also required constitutional amendments.

The CJP read out the verdict while the AGP and other lawyers were present in court.

CJP Umar Atta Bandial said that the Supreme Court Review Act is “unconstitutional”. He further added that the detailed order would be issued later.

The detailed 87-page long order said, “repugnant to and ultra vires the Constitution, being beyond the legislative competence of the Parliament.”

It is also mentioned in the order that “It is accordingly struck down as null and void and of no legal effect”.

Hamid Mir has also said that “From the timing of the decesion, it seems that Nawaz Sharif has been targeted”.