ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the hearing on a presidential reference seeking the interpretation of Article 63(A) of the Constitution and a plea filed by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) against the government and Opposition’s rallies in the federal capital, ahead of a vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

A five-member larger bench of the apex court — headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Aijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel — heard the reference along with a plea filed by the SCBA against public gatherings of the Opposition and the government in the federal capital.

Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan assured the court of completing his arguments on Monday.

“The Constitution doesn’t require [lawmakers’] affiliation with a political party,” CJP Bandial said while hearing the arguments.

However, Justice Ahsan was of the view that when a member becomes part of a political party, he signs loyalty towards that party. He asked whether PM Imran Khan, as the party head, has issued any directives to the party members.

“If yes, the court should be informed,” Justice Ahsan added.

Meanwhile, AGP Khan said in his arguments that even the MNAs on reserved seats were present in Sindh House.

“The reserved seats are allocated as per the list issued by the party,” he said.

At this, CJP Bandial inquired if the AGP believes that the members who do not vote in the party’s favour commit dishonesty?

“There is extremely strict punishment for khayanat (dishonesty) in Quran. Betrayal of trust is a big sin,” CJP Bandial said, adding that a person who breaks the trust is called a khaain [dishonest person].

The top judge said that a strong party system is the guarantor of a strong democratic system.

The CJ adjourned the hearing on the presidential reference till Monday March 28th March.