The learned Attorney-General for Pakistan and the Advocate-Generals of all the provinces and Islamabad Capital Territory state that they support the constitutionality and legality of section 232(2) of the Elections Act, 2017. Most of the counsel representing appellants/applicants/petitioners support the contention of the learned Attorney-General for Pakistan and the Advocate-Generals for the Provinces and Islamabad Capital Territory, whereas, Syed Asghar Hussain Sabzwari, learned senior counsel representing the petitioner in Civil Petition No. 2680/2023, Sh. Usman Karim-ud-Din, the learned counsel representing the petitioners in Civil Appeal No.984/2018 and Mr. Khurram Raza, the learned counsel representing the appellants in Civil Appeal No. 880/2015 canvass the contrary viewpoint, that is, a life time ban. Mr. Sanaullah Baloch states that he represents his brother, namely, Mr. Samiullah Baloch and supports the life time ban. Mr. Samiullah Baloch is granted an opportunity to engage counsel or to properly authorize his brother.
2. A number of counsel appear through video-link from other stations; they may attend the Court at Islamabad in view of the constitutional importance of the matter so that their submissions can be properly heard and understood.
3. We also welcome any senior counsel who wish to assist the Court on the constitutionality and legality of the matter in hand and appoint the following as amici: Learned Mr. Faisal Siddiqui, ASC, learned Mr. Uzair Karamat Bhandari, ASC and learned Ms. Reema Omer, Legal Advisor, International Commission of Jurists, who may submit their written briefs and/or render assistance in Court. To come up on Thursday, 4 January 2024 at 11.30 am.