The Supreme Court on Tuesday approved applications seeking live broadcast of hearings on appeals against the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

An eight-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin, ruled in favour of the petitioners, allowing public viewing of the proceedings to ensure transparency.

During the hearing, the bench supported the live broadcast requests filed by petitioners, while the Additional Attorney General stated that the decision to broadcast or not rests with the bench itself. Following deliberation, the court approved the applications, marking another step towards judicial openness.

Justice Jamal Mandokhel, however, noted that while live coverage is meant to inform the public, it is often “misused” by some for non-constructive purposes.

The bench also decided to hear former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar’s petition—challenging the registrar’s objections—in open court. Lawyer Shahid Jamil argued that the decision of the Practice and Procedure Committee to form a full court still holds validity, and his team has sought its implementation.

He further informed the court that a chamber appeal against the registrar’s objections has also been filed. Justice Aminuddin assured that the petition would be scheduled for a public hearing.

Light moment during proceedings

During the session, lawyer Faisal Siddiqui made a light-hearted remark to Justice Aminuddin, saying, “I would be happy to appear before you in person if you have only two months left before retirement.” Justice Aminuddin responded humorously, “Your calculations are weak; you’re giving me two months too much.”

The exchange drew smiles in the courtroom, offering a brief moment of levity before the bench adjourned the hearing until 11:30 am tomorrow.