In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, recently announced its verdict on Article 62(1)(f).
The decision marks the end of the lifetime disqualification clause, bringing about a shift in the eligibility criteria for political leaders.
The verdict has far-reaching implications, particularly for prominent political figures like Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen.
With the removal of the lifetime disqualification, these leaders, along with others, find their eligibility for the upcoming general elections restored.
Understanding Article 62 (1) (f)
Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution pertains to the qualification of members of Parliament and pertains to the terms 'Sadiq' and 'Ameen'.
The article is stated below:
"A person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) unless-
he is a citizen of Pakistan;
he is, in the case of the National Assembly, not less than twenty -five years of age and is enroled as a voter in any electoral roll in-
any part of Pakistan, for election to a general seat or a seat reserved for non-Muslims; and
any area in a Province from which she seeks membership for election to a seat reserved for women.
he is, in the case of Senate, not less than thirty years of age and is enrolled as a voter in any area in a Province or, as the case may be, the Federal Capital or the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, from where he seeks membership;
he is of good character and is not commonly known as one who violates Islamic Injunctions;
he has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practises obligatory duties prescribed by Islam as well as abstains from major sins ;
he is sagacious, righteous and non-profligate, honest and ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law;
he has not, after the establishment of Pakistan, worked against the integrity of the country or opposed the ideology of Pakistan.
The disqualifications specified in paragraphs (d) and (e) shall not apply to a person who is a non-Muslim, but such a person shall have good moral reputation."
