18th amendment: SC puts off case till June 7

The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the petitions challenging some clauses of the 18th amendment till Monday (June 7), Dunya News reported on Thursday. A 17-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, heard the case. During the course of hearing, Advocate Akram Sheikh contended that in some countries the executive do appoint the judges, however, added that it is only in the US and Israel where the parliament plays a role in the process of judges appointment. He told the court that as per Article 9-A of the 18th amendment, some access to the information has been given but only behind closed doors.Akram argued that in the judicial commission, the law minister represents the whole cabinet while the attorney general has been authorized to vote having powers equal to that of the Chief Justice. He said by giving the authority to vote in the commission, a clash has been triggered regarding judges appointment. Later, talking to media outside the court, Akram Sheikh said that the constitution has been utterly destroyed. He posed a question that how could the illiterate people appoint judges. Akram also got furious over volley of question by the mediamen and alleged them of taking envelopes. He, however extended apology to the journalists after the latter protested his words. On the other hand, Dr Abdul Basit has filed a reply regarding his misconduct in the apex court. He said that his case be referred to the Pakistan Bar Council, adding that the SC is not authorized to hear his case.