SC rules that dissident members' votes cannot be considered under Article 63-A.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, in its decision on a presidential reference seeking interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution which is related to the status of defecting lawmakers, said the votes of defecting lawmakers will not be counted.

In a court ruling, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that dissident members of a parliamentary party cannot vote against their party's directions.

The court stated in its decision on the presidential request for an interpretation of Clause 63(A) of the constitution that the article in question cannot be understood on its own.

President Arif Alvi's reference hearing was completed earlier today by the Supreme Court.