Federal Constitutional Court Takes Key Decisions on Multiple Fronts
The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) delivered several significant rulings on Monday, addressing crucial matters ranging from healthcare to labor rights and urban governance. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan presided over multiple cases, issuing stay orders and demanding comprehensive reports from relevant authorities.
FCC Demands DRAP Report on Life-Saving Medicines
During the hearing concerning the availability of essential drugs, the court directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to submit a detailed report on the nationwide supply of life-saving medicines. The petitioner informed the court that while registration for 30 out of 41 requested medicines had been completed, DRAP had failed to provide complete information about their market availability.
DRAP's counsel countered that prices for several medicines, particularly those used for diabetes, were being regulated, and information about life-saving drugs was being updated on their official website. The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings for an indefinite period, awaiting DRAP's comprehensive report.
Karachi Public Parks Case: FCC Suspends Sindh High Court Ruling
In another major development, the FCC suspended the Sindh High Court's August 26, 2025 judgment that had prohibited the use of public parks in Karachi for commercial and sports activities. The order came while hearing an appeal filed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) against the earlier verdict.
KMC's counsel argued that the corporation had formally approved the use of nine public parks for sports activities through a resolution. He contended that the Sindh High Court had declared KMC's decision null and void without granting the corporation its constitutional right to a fair hearing under Article 10-A. The FCC bench noted that the case involved significant public interest matters requiring detailed consideration and issued notices to all parties, adjourning further hearings until November 27.
KPK Laborers Get Relief as FCC Issues Stay Order
The FCC provided crucial relief to laborers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by issuing a stay order against the Peshawar High Court's decision that had removed the requirement for private institutions to submit security deposits in labor dues cases. The court also served notices to respondents and sought their comments for the next hearing.
During proceedings, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizi questioned how poor laborers could arrange substantial security deposits. KPK Advocate General Shah Faisal argued that the case directly affected impoverished workers, explaining that the law requires private institutions to pay dues to terminated laborers, who can appeal to relevant departments if payments are withheld. If the decision favors the laborer, the institution must deposit the dues as security during the appeal process.
FCC Overturns LHC Ruling on KEMU Vice Chancellor Appointment
The FCC also set aside the Lahore High Court's decision regarding the appointment of the Vice Chancellor for King Edward Medical University (KEMU), effectively disposing of the case. After noting that no counsel appeared before the court and reviewing the case record, the bench declared the LHC ruling unsustainable and nullified it.
The court observed that any aggrieved party retained the right to approach the appropriate forum for relief. The case originated from a petition filed by Iftikhar Ahmed challenging the appointment procedure of Professor Asad Aslam as KEMU Vice Chancellor, which had remained pending before the Supreme Court for nearly eight years without being scheduled for hearing.
