ISLAMABAD
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has remarked rule of law and constitution has to be established.
He further remarked “ court will demonstrate utmost care in the case. The superior judiciary has been criticizing NAB laws in its decision. 90 days remand exists nowhere. Even in criminal cases the remand does not exceed 14 days. The ratio of punishment in Japan in corruption cases is 99 percent. These are extraordinary circumstances. The court is not enjoying by hearing the case in extraordinary situation.
He further observed a larger political party is outside the parliament. We are asking them too to return to parliament. There is such impression of legislation from the political parties sitting in parliament which is being enacted for their own benefit. SC has no intention to legislate.
We are protectors of constitution only. Court will avoid from interfering in political matters. We will review only the point of amendments against the basic rights. If the amendments are proved joke with the accountability process then it will be violation of basic rights. Concessions have been given to the accused in many amendments.
The evidence of plea bargaining has been declared unacceptable. There is no prohibition of arrest in criminal law. Arrest is made in proportion to the nature of crime. 150 members of assembly of former ruling party have boycotted the parliament. We had asked PTI to go to assembly and play their role. Half of the members have boycotted the assembly.
The members sitting in assembly are legislating to serve their personal interests. Court does not want to interfere in legislation. We had taken suo motu notice due to interference in investigation. We are seeing after taking high profile cases record either the cases run or otherwise. We will extend full support to the institutions functioning under the constitution.
The CJP gave these remarks while presiding over a 3-meber bench of SC during the hearing of Imran Khan petition against the amendments in NAB law here Friday.
Khawaja Haris counsel for Imran Khan while seeking adjournment of the case from the court took the plea he could not file reply in the court being infected by coronavirus. Court should give time to file detailed reply.
Makhdoom Ali Khan argued superior judiciary does not sustain accountability court sentences. The culprits are acquitted. Even then their blots don’t stand washed. The issue of abortion in Europe was resolved in the parliament and not in the courts. Judiciary role is umpire role. American SC always stands with the government.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked US SC example does not seem to be correct with regard to this reference. If assembly abolishes NAB laws then people will resort to what forum against it. Political weather continues to change outside the court. Should political weather have influence inside the court. Should the weather of law and constitution not remain in the court.
The court while accepting the adjournment plea from counsel of Imran Khan adjourned the hearing of the case till September 01.
