In-focus

Pakistan

'Courts should not be dragged in politics'

Dunya News

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira says courts should not be dragged in political matters.

Minister Information Kaira has urged the opposition parties to use the forum of parliament and not the courts to settle political mattersTalking to the media persons in Islamabad on Thursday‚ he said a political party is using the forum of the apex court for political purposes after facing political defeat in the parliament and the elections.He said according to the constitution and rules of business‚ the speakers ruling cannot be challenged but it is regretful that Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf and Pakistan Muslim League (N) have filed petitions against the speakers ruling of not sending the disqualification reference to the Election Commission.He said the Speaker Fehmida Mirza has run the house neutrally and always given more time to the opposition for debate on different issues in the house. The leader of the opposition also used to appreciate the impartial conduct of the speaker but now they have started targeting her.To a question‚ the Information Minister said that the opposition has the right to protest during the budget speech but they should demonstrate responsibility and fully participate in the budget debate to make it more people friendly.Responding to a question‚ the Information Minister said the general elections will be held on time. He said first the elections for the local bodies should be held as has been directed by the Supreme Court to the provinces.