ISLAMABAD, FEB 14 (DNA) –  A five-judge larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, of Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved a judgment on petitions seeking a fixed time-period of the parliamentarians’ disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the constitution.

At the outset of court proceedings, Attorney General (AG) Ashtar Ausaf Ali appeared before the court and presented his arguments.

He contended that it is the sole responsibility of parliament to determine the time duration of disqualification under the aforementioned article.

At which, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed remarked the time period of disqualification was not defined in the constitution.

“Would it be a life-time disqualification or for one election term,” Justice Saeed inquired.

To which, AG Ashtar Ausaf Ali said it is not definable in the constitution with regard to disqualification time period under the specified article of constitution.

The bench then reserved its verdict on the petitions filed by numerous disqualified lawmakers.

At last hearing on Monday, Justice Saqib Nisar expressed extreme displeasure over absence of AG Ashtar Ausaf Ali and imposed a fine of Rs20,000 for not turning up at the court.

At the outset of proceedings in last hearing, Justice Nisar inquired about the whereabouts of the AG as he was summoned by the court to appear before the bench.

To which, the Additional Attorney General (AAG) then informed the bench that the AG is out of city and would submit a response in writing.

The CJP then inquired as how he could go out of the city without the court’s permission, while expressing resentment over the AG’s conduct.

The AAG then told the bench that the attorney general was in Lahore to attend the last rites of Asma Jahangir, besides he had to travel abroad on Tuesday.

However, the AG has now rescheduled his trip and will be leaving for London on Saturday. In response, the CJP remarked that the demise of noted lawyer has saddened the members of legal fraternity since it’s an extremely sad development but observed that the work shouldn’t be stopped with someone’s death.