Any ultra-constitutional step against judiciary to be deemed high treason: Pak SC

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s Supreme Court has said that any ultra-constitutional step against the judiciary in the country would be deemed as subversion of the constitution and liable to be tried under Article 6 of the constitution - as an act of treason.

A 17-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry also directed all constitutional and administrative heads through a restraining order to ensure that no such steps are taken against the judiciary.

“Any such step taken against one of the important pillars of state would be in subversion of Article 6, which could be defined as an act or process of overturning, destroying or corrupting or designed to undermine or overthrow organs of the state, of which the judiciary is necessarily a part,” the Daily Times quoted the court, as saying.

The court’s restraint order stated that “no functionary of the government, including head of state or government or other functionaries can take any steps to withdraw the executive order which is non-existence”.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Law Minister Babar Awan said that no constitutional institution should feel any threat in the presence of an elected parliament and a democratic set-up.

“Rest assured, the PPP-led government will take no ultra constitutional or unconstitutional steps. We cannot assure that we will please everyone but it is certain that the rule of law and Constitution will be guaranteed,” Awan said.

“Democracy is a sign of life, due to which people other than us enjoy greater freedom,” he added.

In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, said that independent and free judiciary provides foundation to a democratic set up and any conspiracy against it is tantamount to a direct attack on Pakistan’s constitution and democracy. (ANI)