An eight-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, held a pivotal hearing on the petitions challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment in Islamabad.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s counsel immediately requested the formation of a Full Court to hear the matter, arguing that while they held no personal objection to any judge, the case’s national significance necessitated a full court to ensure utmost transparency.
Further amplifying the call for openness, petitioner’s lawyer Barrister Salahuddin argued that every citizen possesses the right to access information on matters of public importance, pointing out that the 26th Amendment was not subjected to public scrutiny or detailed parliamentary discussion. He passionately demanded that the court proceedings be streamed live for the public, asserting that since the amendment was “passed in the dark of night,” the public should know the facts “in the light of day.” This request prompted an engaging exchange with Justice Naeem Afghan, who asked, “Do you want a hearing in daylight and live streaming as well?” to which Salahuddin offered his pointed reply.
The lawyer further bolstered his argument by citing several historical cases that were previously broadcast live, including the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto reference and the Practice and Procedure case. He concluded by stressing that since senior lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan had labeled the 26th Amendment challenge the “biggest case of the century,” it deserved to be heard by a full constitutional bench or the Full Court. After considering the initial arguments, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing until 11:30 am tomorrow.
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