SC wraps up petitions filed by JI against privatization of K-Electric being withdrawn

ISLAMABAD, June 06 (Online): Supreme Court (SC) has wrapped up the petitions filed by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against privatization of K-Elcctric being withdrawn by the petitioner.

A 3-member bench of SC presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial took up the case for hearing Tuesday.

During the hearing of the case Justice Athar Minallah remarked several things happened in the past under article 184 (3) of the constitution. Pakistan steel mills case was also heard under article 184(3). Why the court should take up this case against the privatization of K-Electric. JI is respectable for us. JI is there in parliament. It should raise the issue of privatization therein. This petition which has been filed under article 184 (3) is against the economic policy of government.

Rashid A Rizvi counsel for JI took the plea on the occasion when parliament fails then the option of judiciary is left.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked don’t say so that parliament has failed. will the parliament not fail when it is not respected. Respect the parliament. This matter be raised in the parliament instead of bringing it in the court. Parliament will grow strong due to such steps. We cannot hear the agreement of privatization of K-Electric in 184(3). These cases should go to the respective forums.

Justice Ayesha Malik remarked determining the tariff is job of NEPRA. How can we cancel the privatization of K-Electric?

Counsel Rashid A Rizvi told the court agreement related to privatization was not implemented.

Justice Ayesha Malik remarked SC has given decision. Such matters will go to NEPRA.

CJP remarked two judges have raised legal points in this case. How much investment came and what results came out, we will not see it. This is being said on the basis of experience. Cancelling the things is easy but collecting them and making them is difficult. The privatization process was done due to non resolution of problems facing the people. It is difficult to go into details at this stage. If the SC writes to stay away from economic issues then the other forums will too say this. It is better to take back this petition and take it to proper forum. We appreciate the JI role related to political harmony. But we don’t want to go into this case.

JI lawyer Rashid A Rizvi and other petitioners withdrew the petitions after court’s observations.

The court disposed of the case being the petitions withdrawn.