Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan has taken the place of Justice Munib Akhtar on the bench handling review petitions regarding Article 63-A today.

The case started at 11:30am with Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa leading the bench. Other members include Justices Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Mandokhail, and Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel.

Justice Munib Akhtar withdrew from the case the day before, clarifying that his decision should not be seen as a refusal to participate.

The hearing was delayed due to Justice Akhtar’s absence, as he informed the Supreme Court Registrar of his withdrawal through two letters. The Practice and Procedure Committee met on Tuesday morning and chose to have Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan take Justice Munib Akhtar’s place on the bench.