ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized the need for cross-party collaboration to enhance the justice system and better serve the public.
Addressing the Senate today, Dar highlighted that approximately 60,000 cases are currently pending before the Supreme Court, with a significant backlog also in the high courts.
He noted that the idea of constitutional courts is not novel but welcomed any constructive proposals from the opposition.
Dar assured the Senate that all actions would be aligned with national interests and aimed at improving the justice system.
He noted that this was the third in-camera meeting of the Special Parliamentary Committee, which had seen participation from PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali and Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, who had been absent in previous meetings.
Dar urged the Opposition Leader to seek detailed updates from colleagues on the committee’s discussions and emphasized that any constructive proposal from the opposition would be welcomed. He reiterated that the government remains committed to national interests and transparent legislative practices.
The Senate Leader stressed that the Constitutional Bill, which seeks to address a backlog of 60,000 cases in the Supreme Court and high courts, is consistent with the COD’s call for a constitutional court to expedite constitutional petitions. He noted that the concept of a Constitutional Court is not new and was previously endorsed by PTI and other political parties.
Dar also addressed concerns about the Bill’s scope, clarifying that it is part of routine legislative procedures aimed at resolving justice delays. He urged both the Opposition and Treasury benches to cooperate on matters of public and national interest, promising that the Bill would not contain any hidden agendas.
Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Chairman of the Senate, provided additional context about a court case in Karachi questioning the Constitutional Bill. Gillani reassured that no bill would be tabled without majority support and emphasized that the Bill’s intentions were not person-specific but in the national interest.
In response, Leader of the Opposition Senator Shibli Faraz questioned the credibility of the proposed Bill, citing Article 63A of the Constitution, which addresses disqualification for defection and voting contrary to party directions.
Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar and Senator Farooq H Naik also contributed to the debate, with discussions focussing on the interpretation of constitutional provisions and the role of the judiciary in legislative matters.
The Senate session concluded with a call for unity and cooperation in addressing constitutional and legislative issues, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to advance the nation’s democratic and legal frameworks.
