Islamabad: An eight-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Ameenuddin Khan, has granted approval for live streaming of proceedings in the case challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The hearings will now be broadcast live, marking a significant step toward judicial transparency.
At the outset of the hearing, Advocate Shahid Jameel—representing petitioner Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar—highlighted objections raised against their request for a full-court bench. He informed the court that an appeal had already been filed and urged that the chamber appeal be decided first.
Jameel also pointed out concerns regarding the composition of the current bench and requested that their petition be heard alongside other related cases. Following deliberations, the bench directed that the petition be formally numbered.
Subsequently, Advocate Khawaja Hussain Ahmad, appearing on behalf of former Justice Jawad S. Khawaja, requested the court to permit live streaming of the proceedings. Justice Ameenuddin Khan responded that notices had already been issued for both petitions. He clarified that if objections to the bench were upheld, a different bench would hear the matter; otherwise, the current bench would proceed with the live-streaming request.
Justice Khan further stated that the issue of forming a full-court bench would be addressed first, followed by the decision on live streaming. Advocate Khawaja remarked that the entire nation is eager to witness the court’s deliberations.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail offered a candid observation: “Our tragedy is that we misuse everything. We intended live streaming to educate the public, but instead, it exposed us.”
Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman appeared before the bench, prompting Justice Ayesha Malik to inquire about the government’s position on live streaming. Rehman responded that the matter falls under administrative jurisdiction. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted, “So, you agree with whatever decision the bench makes.”
Ultimately, the bench, led by Justice Ameenuddin Khan, approved the request for live streaming and adjourned the hearing until 11:30 AM the following day.
