Pakistan Supreme Court Allows Deviated Votes, a Win for Government

In a landmark decision, Pakistan's Supreme Court has ruled that votes cast by parliamentarians against party directives can be counted, easing the government's pursuit of a constitutional amendment concerning judicial laws. The ruling comes after a review petition challenged a previous verdict ignoring such votes.

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan announced on Thursday that parliamentary votes cast against party instructions will indeed count, providing crucial backing for the government's attempt at constitutional amendments related to judicial legislation.

This verdict reverses a previous decision where such dissenting votes were discounted. The review petition was presented by the Supreme Court Bar Association, challenging a ruling connected to Article 63-A of the Constitution, pertaining to the defection clause.

A five-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, issued the unanimous decision, confirming the review petition and indicating that detailed reasons will follow. The decision could shift support dynamics in the ongoing legislative agenda of the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)