In Friday’s hearing at the Supreme Court concerning an election-related case, an incident unfolded involving Mashal Yousafzai, a female lawyer affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).
As Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and senior judges engaged with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, an appeal was presented by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision.
During the hearing before a 3-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justices Tariq Masood and Mansoor Ali Shah, Mashal Yousafzai approached the rostrum while the Chief Justice was drafting the order.
Expressing her desire to speak, the CJP redirected her, affirming the ongoing drafting process and questioning her status as a lawyer authorized to address the court.
The Attorney General intervened, clarifying that Mashal Yousafzai was not recognized as a Supreme Court lawyer, thereby restricting her from speaking during the proceedings.
Qazi Faez Isa cautioned Yousafzai to adhere to court decorum, instructing her to return to her seat and abstain from intervening further. He emphasized the potential consequences, warning of contempt of court charges if she disrupted future proceedings.
In response, the CJP urged Ms Yousafzai to understand the decorum of the court, underscoring the severity of contempt proceedings and inquiring about her educational background.
This incident unfolded within the context of a critical electoral case, highlighting the significance of maintaining decorum and legal protocols within the court environment.
