Proceedings shown live on TV for first time

Proceedings from Pakistan's Supreme Court were broadcast live yesterday by state television for the first time, giving an unprecedented view into the workings of an institution that has historically had a huge impact on the country's politics.

The move marks the beginning of the tenure of new Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa as Pakistan's top judge.

Isa, 64, was sworn in as chief justice on Sunday after he became the most senior judge of the court on the retirement of his predecessor Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Isa's first move as the top judge was to open proceedings for live broadcast.

"It is a majority consensus decision to telecast live," Isa said at the start of proceedings shown live by state-run broadcaster Pakistan Television. Previous attempts to broadcast proceedings live had been blocked by the court.

The broadcast was shown uninterrupted by all major Pakistani channels.

Adding to the interest of the proceedings was the nature of the case, which pertains to legislation that curtails the discretion of the chief justice to take up any legal matter directly, commonly known as suo moto action, and his powers to entrust cases to his fellow judges.