PA passes resolution for formation of constitutional benches in SHC

The Provincial Assembly of Sindh on Monday passed through a majority vote a resolution in favour of forming constitutional benches in the Sindh High Court, as mandated by the newly passed 26th constitutional amendment.

A total of 123 legislators supported the resolution moved by Home and Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar. These MPAs belonging to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan stood up to vote for it. A lawmaker affiliated with the Jamaat-e-Islami and four backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposed it.

The resolution states: “In pursuance of Sub-clause 7 of Article 202A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, read with Sub-rule 1A of Rule 136 of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, 2013, this House resolves to give effect to the provisions of Article 202A of the constitution.”

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on the occasion that all the PAs should pass resolutions in accordance with the 26th constitutional amendment for forming constitutional benches of the high courts.

Shah told the House that now is the most appropriate time to present the resolution in question. He said the judicial commission has been formed, while the provinces should now fulfil all the constitutional requirements to ensure speedy justice to the people.

He gave credit to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for authoring the portion of the draft of the 26th constitutional amendment pertaining to the forming of constitutional benches in the country. Shah recalled that the PPP chief had led a drive to persuade all the political parties to agree to his draft.

He said the PTI’s incumbent chief had initially agreed to the draft. The PTI had nominated their representatives for the constitutional committee, he added. He also said it is an honour for his government to move a resolution in the House in favour of the 26th constitutional amendment.

He added that his government would contact the federal government to ensure that the constitutional benches come into existence in Sindh at the earliest. “We desire that the benefits of the 26th constitutional amendment are passed on to the masses at the earliest.”

Karachi situation

Lanjar claimed that the law and order situation in Karachi has improved a lot due to the efforts of the provincial government. Responding to different call-attention notices, he said that a collective effort would be made to fully restore peace in the city.

He also said the city recently hosted various mega events. He pointed out that Muharram processions were carried out without any problem, while cultural delegations from various countries recently attended a festival at the Arts Council.

He claimed that incidents of phone snatching have decreased. He said street crime has decreased by 26 per cent, while there has been a 28 per cent reduction in car thefts. Lanjar said the Madadgar 15 emergency service of the Sindh police has been strengthened, while police patrolling has also been increased.

He said scrap dealers and retailers at mobile phone markets have been asked not to purchase stolen phones. He added that 7,000 CCTV cameras have been installed in different areas under community policing initiatives to restore peace. The PA session was later prorogued.