The Supreme Court of Pakistan as a federal court an analysis

Malik Husnain Awan; Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq

Authors

Malik Husnain Awan M. Phil Scholar, Department of Political Science & International Relations, University of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. Author
Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq Associate Professor, Department of Political Science & International Relations, University of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. Author

Keywords:

Supreme Court, Federalism, Intergovernmental Relations, Judiciary, Pakistan

Abstract

An independent judiciary is an integral part of modern federations as it plays an important role in strengthening federal values. It protects minority rights; safeguards separation of powers within the federal structure and resolve disagreements between federation and the provinces, and between the provinces. Therefore, in most cases, contemporary federal constitutions assign these roles to superior courts. In this context, this study examines the role of the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan as a federal court, acting as a referee in disputes between the federation and the provinces, or among the provinces. This study presents an in-depth analysis of certain selected cases decided by the SC of Pakistan, aimed at safeguarding the federal character of the state. The findings offer a modest contribution to the field and serve as a valuable source for policymakers and legal scholars to grasp the federal role of the SC of Pakistan

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