Four-member bench of apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard appeal of Qasim Suri       Former deputy speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri seen in this image. — National Assembly of Pakistan Website/file

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Balochistan government to provide the complete property record of former deputy speaker of National Assembly Qasim Suri.

A four-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the appeal of Qasim Suri. He had challenged the Election Tribunal Quetta order of September 27, 2019, declaring his election from NA-265 (Quetta-II) null and void and had ordered re-election in the constituency.

The court issued notices to the federal, Balochistan government and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The court also directed the federal government and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to inform it as to how Qasim Suri went abroad. During the hearing, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked Naeem Bukhari if he had any contact with his client. Bukhari replied in the negative. “Tell your client the court will not be used in such a manner”, the CJP told the counsel.

Naeem Bukhari said, “How can I convey the court’s message when I was not in contact with Suri”.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked after getting a stay from court, Suri sat calmly and questioned whether the case would not proceed after the stay order. He observed Qasim Suri committed an unconstitutional act after getting a stay, and on the basis of a resolution rejected the no-confidence motion.

The Chief Justice said the tenure of Suri’s assembly membership was completed but the court has yet to decide on his appeal. Naeem Bukhari submitted the court may take suo motu notice of the non-appearance of Suri after rejecting his appeal. The CJP said, “Let the court order for property details of Qasim Suri.”

The court noted in its order that advertisements were given in newspapers, but Suri did not ensure his appearance before the court. The court further noted the counsel has no contact with his client and issued notices to federal and Balochistan government and FIA. The court directed the Balochistan government to submit a complete record of Suri’s properties besides directing the federal government and FIA to submit reports as to how Qasim Suri went abroad. The court adjourned the hearing for date-in-office (indefinite period).

getting a stay, and on the basis of a resolution rejected the no-confidence motion.

The Chief Justice said the tenure of Suri’s assembly membership was completed but the court has yet to decide on his appeal. Naeem Bukhari submitted the court may take suo motu notice of the non-appearance of Suri after rejecting his appeal. The CJP said, “Let the court order for property details of Qasim Suri.”

The court noted in its order that advertisements were given in newspapers, but Suri did not ensure his appearance before the court. The court further noted the counsel has no contact with his client and issued notices to federal and Balochistan government and FIA. The court directed the Balochistan government to submit a complete record of Suri’s properties besides directing the federal government and FIA to submit reports as to how Qasim Suri went abroad. The court adjourned the hearing for date-in-office (indefinite period).