On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the prevailing political situation in Pakistan. During the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman congratulated the prime minister on the passage of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill from the Parliament and assured the prime minister of complete cooperation from the allies.
Meanwhile, the prime minister hailed the passage of the Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Bill 2023 by the Parliament, expressing confidence that it would institutionally strengthen the apex court. He said that the bill would help make the process of bench formation and exercise of Article 184 (3) transparent and inclusive, thus serving the cause of justice.
On Wednesday, the National Assembly unanimously passed the bill, which stated that a committee comprising of the three senior-most judges of the apex court would decide on the suo motu notice, while there would be a right to file an appeal within 30 days of the suo motu decision. The appeal has to be fixed for hearing within 14 days of filing, and after the taking of a suo motu notice, the hearing will be conducted by a three-judge bench, and the decision of the majority in the matter would be acceptable to all.
After the passage of the law, no decision of the Supreme Court or high court, or any other legislation would be able to affect it. Under the additional amendments, the right of appeal would be available in pending cases, while the bench constituted on constitutional as well as legal matters would comprise at least five judges.
In addition to the meeting between the prime minister and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf spoke about the importance of the constitution, stating that it was the soul of the state as it not only ensured an unflinching bond between the people and the state, but also charted a country on the path of progress and development.
He announced that celebrations would be held at national and international levels to mark the golden jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan, with a three-day convention to be held in Parliament. The National Database Registration Authority was also in the final phase of developing a mobile app called “Know Your Constitution,” and preparations for quiz competitions, talk shows, and other activities were underway.
The speaker also emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Parliament and ensuring that all institutions remained within their ambits, stating that maintaining the sanctity of Parliament would continue to be their main goal.
Overall, the political situation in Pakistan remains a topic of concern, but the passage of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill by the Parliament and the upcoming celebrations for the golden jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan demonstrate the country’s commitment to strengthening its institutions and promoting progress and development.
