Jurisdiction And Role

The Supreme Court of Pakistan: The Highest Court in the Land

Jurisdiction and Role

The Supreme Court of Pakistan is the apex court in the country's judicial hierarchy, serving as the highest appellate court and court of last resort.

As the final arbiter of law and the Constitution, the Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all lower courts and government entities.

Composition and Appointment

Membership

The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and 16 other judges. These judges are appointed by the President of Pakistan upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment as a Supreme Court judge, an individual must be a Pakistani citizen over the age of 50 and must have at least 15 years of experience as a judge.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Hearing appeals from lower courts
• Interpreting the Constitution
• Reviewing the validity of laws
• Issuing advisory opinions on legal questions
• Enforcing fundamental rights and liberties

Caseload and Procedures

The Supreme Court has a heavy caseload, handling a wide range of legal disputes. Cases are typically filed by lawyers on behalf of individuals, organizations, or government agencies.

The Court follows a structured process for hearing and deciding cases, involving written submissions, oral arguments, and a final judgment.

Historical Significance and Landmark Cases

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has played a pivotal role in the country's legal and constitutional history, issuing landmark decisions that have shaped the nation.

Some notable examples include:

• The Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan case (1955): Landmark ruling on the interpretation of the Constitution
• The Zafar Ali Shah case (1994): Decision upholding the supremacy of the Constitution over military rule

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of Pakistan stands as the guardian of justice and the rule of law in the country. Through its authoritative rulings and unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the Court ensures the protection of fundamental rights, resolves legal disputes, and safeguards the integrity of the judicial system.