Audio Leaks Commission Case: New Commission May Render Current Case Irrelevant, Justice Ameenuddin

Islamabad: The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench has sought a report from the federal government regarding the Audio Leaks Commission and has directed the Attorney General to inform the court after consulting with the government on whether it intends to form a new commission.
The seven-member bench, led by Justice Ameenuddin Khan, heard the case on the audio leaks commission. Justice Ameenuddin remarked, “Is the Audio Leaks Commission still a live issue? The chairman of the commission has retired, and another member has been appointed as a Supreme Court judge.”
The Attorney General requested time to consult with the government to clarify whether a new commission will be formed. He emphasized that a legal point still exists concerning the audio leaks matter. Justice Ameenuddin responded, stating, “If a new commission is established, this case will become irrelevant.”
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that the cabinet’s decision on the commission’s formation is still in place. Meanwhile, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail inquired if the government would nominate judges for the commission in consultation with the Chief Justice.
In a separate case, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the disqualification of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah due to non-pursuit of the case. The petition had been filed by Mahmood Akhtar Naqvi. The Attorney General clarified that this was a legal matter, noting that the law does not require consultation for such decisions.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail asserted that the court’s authority should not be undermined, posing the question of what would happen if the Chief Justice refused to provide judges for the commission.
The constitutional bench adjourned the hearing of both cases until next week.