Case Scheduled
ISLAMABAD: According to Express News, the Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on a petition challenging Pakistan’s electoral system as “un‑Islamic.” The case will be heard on December 5 by a five‑member Shariat Appellate Bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed.
Bench Formation
This Shariat Appellate Bench has been constituted after nearly one and a half years, marking a significant development in the long‑pending matter.
Historical Background
The petition declaring the electoral system un‑Islamic was originally filed 36 years ago. In 1989, the government appealed against the Shariat Court’s decision, and the matter has remained unresolved since then.
Broader Context
Legal experts note that the case reflects the intersection of constitutional law and religious principles in Pakistan’s governance. The revival of hearings after decades underscores the judiciary’s role in addressing sensitive questions about the compatibility of democratic structures with Islamic injunctions.
Critical Reflection
The upcoming hearing is not just about procedure; it is about the ideological foundation of Pakistan’s political system. Whether the electoral framework can be reconciled with Sharia principles remains a question that has lingered for decades. The Supreme Court’s decision to revisit the matter signals both the persistence of religious‑legal debates and the importance of judicial clarity in shaping the country’s democratic future.