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The Decisions of Supreme Court are not mere Recommendations but Legal Mandates that must be followed --- Supreme Court of Pakistan

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The Decisions of Supreme Court are not mere Recommendations but Legal Mandates that must be followed --- Supreme Court of Pakistan

Islamabad, 13-08-2024: In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has reinforced its directive for the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to expedite the payment of pensions to over 11,000 pensioners, following a landmark judgment dated September 25, 2017. The Court, led by Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Mr. Justice Athar Minallah, and Mr. Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, underscored the importance of compliance with judicial orders as a cornerstone of constitutional governance.

During the hearing, the Court noted that while 764 pensioners had already received their payments, the process for the remaining pensioners was still underway. The Court emphasized that any necessary factual verification should be handled by the NBP and not burden the judiciary. To ensure the prompt implementation of its orders, the Supreme Court directed the President of NBP to appoint a senior officer as a focal person to oversee the process and address any issues faced by the pensioners.

In a strongly worded statement, the Court reiterated that its decisions are not mere recommendations but legal mandates that must be followed. The judgment highlighted the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding the Constitution and maintaining the rule of law. It warned that non-compliance with Court orders could lead to executive overreach, undermining the very foundation of the legal system.

The Court also stressed that public confidence in the judiciary hinges on the implementation of its decisions. Ignoring or delaying compliance, the Court warned, would erode trust in the judicial system and the broader democratic framework.

Moreover, the judgment reaffirmed the importance of the law of contempt as a tool for enforcing Court orders. The Court underscored that the power to hold individuals or entities in contempt is vital for the effective functioning of the judiciary and the administration of justice.

The Supreme Court has set a deadline of October 15, 2024, for the NBP to submit a compliance report, ensuring that all pensioners are fully paid in accordance with the 2017 judgment. The Court's directive sends a clear message that adherence to judicial decisions is not optional but a constitutional duty that must be fulfilled.

This ruling serves as a significant reminder of the judiciary's role in safeguarding the rights of citizens and ensuring that public institutions uphold the rule of law. The enforcement of pension payments by the NBP is a testament to the Court's commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable populations.