Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has said that the Supreme Court (SC) “will not perform the duties of other institutions, instead, will make them fulfill their duties”.

He recently passed these remarks while hearing of a case pertaining to the cancellation of a medical student’s admission following the completion of her studies at Khyber Medical University.

The student, Rukhsana Bangash, had passed her second-year exam in her fifth attempt and similarly, had passed her subsequent exams in supplementary attempts as well. The university then cancelled her admission and said she could not take five attempts for the exam.

The CJP remarked, “Cancelling the registration after the completion of education and upon the commencement of practice would be contrary to justice”.

Dismissing the appeal by the university’s counsel to impose a fine on the student to cover damages, the chief justice went on to say that “imposing fines was the concerned body’s job”.

Citing the recent ruling on the Punjab chief minister’s election, Justice Bandial said that the apex court has not interfered with the workings of any institution, however, “the court has supported the institutions in their duties”.

“As a result of our initiative, a transparent and impartial election was held,” remarked the top court.