ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif asserted that a potential constitutional amendment aimed at easing the burden on the judiciary.
Addressing the National Assembly session, he stated that parliament was representative of 250 million people and it's their responsibility to uplift this institution according to the constitution. He said that legislation and protection of the constitution was the collective responsibility.
Khawaja Asif highlighted that more than 2.7 million cases were pending in the courts and this amendment aimed to ease the burden on judiciary.
The PML-N leader asked how the resolution of pending cases and making the common man's life easy could benefit political interests?
Asif said that this amendment was not to strengthen any party but to strengthen this institution and this constitutional court would be property of the judiciary.
He stated that the Charter of Democracy was signed by Mian Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto in 2006 and later on other parties also signed it. There was no politics on amendment and its part of the Charter of Democracy.
“There are two drafts circulating on the bill in the media. When a consensus reaches on the draft then it will be tabled in the house.”
He emphasised that these drafts meant to correct the constitutional imbalance and consensus of the whole house was needed on it.
These documents included suggestions related to the formation of a constitutional court. The constitutional court wouldn’t weaken Parliament as most of the democratic states have constitutional courts,” Defence minister highlighted.
The sanctity and respect that is required for the Parliament must be displayed, Asif urged.
'ATTACK ON JUDICIARY'
Asad Qaiser thanked Molana Fazlur Rehman for not supporting the government constitutional amendment draft. He raised questions on the credibility of the amendment draft.
He was dismayed over the Pakistan Peoples Party and Bilawal Bhutto for having a complete draft of the bill.
He reiterated that the constitutional amendment affects everyone and how this could be passed in the night and holiday.
The legislation was being made public and discussions were held and bar associations were taken into confidence. How could this bill be credible which were shown different drafts.
He stated that they were ready for discussion on supremacy of the constitution, Parliament and independent judiciary. The PTI leader claimed that the judiciary was being attacked and they would resist this sort of legislation.
Asad blamed that Parliament was made rubber stamp through this constitutional bill which aimed for 54 amendments.
He asked if this bill was suggesting to curb fundamental rights. This bill was robbery not legislation. He said they also wanted legislation for the judiciary but they needed a bill in the parliamentary committee.
They will fight for judiciary independence in Parliaments and roads, Asad Qaiser insisted.