Bilawal calls for end to ‘sacred cows’ within institutions

QUETTA: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized that Pakistan needs both federal and provincial-level constitutional courts, calling for an end to the concept of “sacred cows” within the judicial and military systems.

The PPP chairman, while addressing the Balochistan High Court Bar here on Tuesday, lauded the lawyers community in Balochistan for their sacrifices and struggle in restoring democracy. He expressed his deep connection with the lawyers of Balochistan and termed the terrorist attacks on the legal fraternity, resulting in precious loss of life, a great tragedy.

Bilawal emphasized that his family’s and his party’s journey did not begin with the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan’s puppet regime but has been an ongoing struggle across three generations. This struggle was not a quick revolution achieved in a day or a year but rather a persistent fight that began long ago. He stressed his struggle was not for any particular individual but aimed at delivering immediate justice to the people and strengthening institutions.

Bilawal also shared his personal experiences of witnessing the hardships his family endured for the sake of democracy. He recounted how Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was imprisoned in the scorching heat of Sukkur jail and PPP workers and those of other democratic parties faced atrocities during their struggle.

He accused the judiciary, military and intelligence leadership of that time of conspiring behind the scenes, fearing the restoration of Constitution would reduce their control over democracy. He acknowledged the difficult times Pakistan is facing today but reminded the audience that the situation was equally dire during the era of a dictator who could not be spoken against.

He criticised contempt of court laws which, he said, have been used to silence criticism of the judiciary while undermining freedom of expression. He condemned how courts allowed military rulers to make unconstitutional amendments but denied elected representatives the same powers. He clarified that his struggle was not for the current chief justice or any individual.

He said his agenda was not to serve any one person, emphasizing that Pakistan needs a constitutional court to address the provincial issues equally. He voiced concerns over judicial reforms being undermined and questioned whether delays in reforms would lead to decisions similar to Article 63(A) and further restrictions on constitutional amendments. He also spoke against the ongoing interference in parliamentary matters by institutions that should not wield such power.

In response to questions, the PPP chairman said his demand for a constitutional court is not new and reiterated that the creation of such a court would focus judges’ attention on constitutional matters, ensuring timely justice for the common man. He argued that it would also ensure accountability within the legal community.

Bilawal further said that Pakistan’s judiciary has never allowed parliamentarians or politicians to draft laws concerning the judiciary but has allowed military rulers to amend the Constitution at will. He stressed that PPP’s goal is not to serve any individual but to ensure a judiciary that functions independently and provides justice efficiently.

He called for judicial accountability and reforms in the appointment process of judges, stressing that the judiciary should be free from the influence of any entity that wears a uniform or wields a weapon.

He warned that if the judicial system does not change, discussions about military courts would resurface, pointing out that such courts are proposed when the judiciary is deemed incapable of delivering justice to terrorists. The demand for a constitutional court, he added, is not an attempt to target any specific judge but a necessary reform for the country.

The PPP chairman stressed that his party was committed to seeing these reforms through and will continue its struggle to ensure that justice and democracy prevail in Pakistan.