The hidden hands

Following the notification of his victory as member provincial assembly in the by-elections from PP-10, Rawalpindi and his earlier win from PP 48, Bhakkar, a discussion is walking the legal and media corridors as to whether the Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif will attract the provisions of Article 223 of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

It is unfortunate that the hidden hands of the undemocratic forces have been allowed to initiate a constitutional debate that is not only baseless but indeed has been elicited without first critically reviewing the relevant provisions of law. The issue has been pitched for whatever political gains but in the current political scenario such misinformation further hinders the country's progress towards democracy and therefore demands an unbiased and more responsible approach from all circles.

Article 223 on a plain reading provides:

'223. Bar against double membership.

(1) No person shall at the same time be a member of:

(a) both houses; or

(b) a house and a provincial assembly; or

(c) the assembly of two or more provinces;

(d) a house or a provincial assembly in respect of more than one seat.