Public Interest Litigation in Supreme Court of Pakistan

 Article 184(3) of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 provides the concept of protection of Fundamental Rights through the use of Article 199 of the Constitution. Hence, the Supreme Court of Pakistan can pre-empt the jurisdiction of High Courts under Art.199 whenever “a question of public importance with reference to the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights conferred by Chapter I of Part II is involved.” The power of Art.184(3) is “original jurisdiction” of the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights. We will also find words “human rights” used by the Supreme Court in its judgments given under the caption “Human Rights Cases” while they have not been mentioned anywhere in 1973 Constitution. It is the combined effect of the provisions of Art.184(3) and Art.199 that help us to understand as to what might be the human rights to be enforced. “Human Rights” is a general term while the term “Fundamental Rights” is specific one and is used in the Constitution as a practical term defining and limiting the exact meanings of various rights provided to all those who are citizens of Pakistan. However, certain Fundamental Rights are provided to everyone who is within the territorial jurisdiction of Pakistan, whether citizen or not, at any given time period. This thesis will study various aspects of the powers of Supreme Court under Art.184(3) of the Constitution along with allied matters.

Case Laws.

1. under its suo motu jurisdiction of Article 184(3) in To Visit "State v. Zubair". 610 It 604 PLD 2001 SC 607

2. Suo Motu Case: In re, p. 2001 - 1041
3. Case Suo Motu
   re, PLD 2001 SC 1041
4. Case Suo Motu
   re, PLD 2001 SC 1041.
   
   
   
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