Nawaz Sharif can't be party chief, rules Pakistan's Supreme Court

Sharif, 68, was disqualified as the prime minister by the apex court in the Panama Papers case in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset.

Today's ruling is seen as a major blow to the political career of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family. A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Wednesday ruled that it is mandatory for a party chief to fulfil the requirements of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution as a party head is powerful and political parties control the government. "A party head must necessarily possess the qualifications and be free of the disqualifications contemplated in Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution," the bench ruled.

"It is crucial for parliamentarians to be of good conduct to run the affairs of the Parliament," Chief Justice Nisar said.

After Sharif's disqualification as prime minister last year, the ruling PML-N amended the Constitution to allow him to retain his chairmanship of the party. As a result, the Elections Act 2017 was passed by Parliament. The act paved the way for Sharif to become the PML-N chief after he stepped down as party president following his disqualification by the apex court in July last year.

Under the old law, a person disqualified from holding a public office was also barred from leading a political party but the bar was removed by the parliament when it passed Elections Act 2017.The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Awami Muslim League, Pakistan People's Party and others petitioned the apex court against the Elections Act 2017. The apex court began hearing the case in January 2018.

While reading out the verdict, Chief Justice Nisar said that a person who is disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution is not eligible to sign on any document needed to nominate someone to the National Assembly or Senate.

"The Election Commission is directed to remove the name of Nawaz Sharif as president/Party Head of PML-N from all relevant records, Chief Justice Nisar said. He ruled that "all steps taken, all orders passed by Nawaz Sharif are also declared to be as if they had never been taken." The verdict will not affect the PML-N's registration as a party. However, decisions taken by Sharif will be nullified, including tickets issued by him for the Senate

elections. With the judgement, it is possible that the Senate elections scheduled for March 3 will have to

be postponed.