Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, emphasized the need for constitutional reform, particularly the establishment of constitutional courts to ensure justice for all. He stated that under the Charter of Democracy, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), along with other major political parties like Pakistan Muslim League-N, Pakistan Muslim League-Q, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), had reached an agreement to allow elected governments to complete their terms, which resulted in the landmark Eighteenth Amendment. This amendment saw President Asif Ali Zardari voluntarily transferring his powers to Parliament, a historic step in promoting democratic values.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted that the PPP has consistently supported the creation of constitutional courts since 2008. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently engaging in discussions with all stakeholders to bring about a consensus on amending the constitution for this purpose. The PPP believes such courts are essential to prevent the recurrence of judicial activism and injustices that have affected the party and the country’s leadership.
The minister reflected on the historical injustices faced by the PPP, recalling how the party’s martyred chairman was unjustly hanged, only for the Supreme Court to declare the sentence invalid 45 years later. He also noted that the governments of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto were unconstitutionally dismissed on two occasions, further underscoring the need for reforms to ensure fair and unbiased justice.
Sharjeel Inam Memon criticized the selective treatment of individuals by the judiciary, pointing out that the PPP has been the biggest victim of judicial activism. Despite 16 years passing since the assassination of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, her murder case has not been heard by the court. This, he stressed, is why the PPP advocates for the establishment of constitutional courts that can address such delays and injustices in the future.
The minister also criticized the preferential treatment given to certain political figures, particularly referencing the leniency granted to PTI leaders. He pointed out how a former chief justice declared PTI’s founder as “Sadiq wa Amin,” while ignoring clear violations of the law. Sharjeel Inam Memon recounted how a PTI MPA publicly assaulted a laborer in Karachi, yet instead of receiving appropriate punishment, the compensation was directed towards a dam fund. He questioned the legality of such decisions and emphasized the importance of upholding the law without favoritism.
He went on to highlight the controversial disqualification of former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani for refusing to write a letter against President Asif Ali Zardari, while at the same time, former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and Saqib Nisar’s actions led to significant losses in cases like Reko Diq. Memon expressed the need for accountability for such decisions, as they have had long-lasting impacts on the country.
The senior minister further criticized how courts have protected certain political figures, including PTI Chairman Imran Khan. He cited various instances where Imran Khan received relief from the judiciary, even after engaging in activities that undermined constitutional institutions. He contrasted this with how President Asif Ali Zardari was treated during his court appearances, arriving in an armored vehicle under heavy police protection, while Imran Khan received preferential treatment from the judiciary.
Memon also addressed the issue of foreign funding for political parties, alleging that PTI had received funds from countries like India and Israel, yet no action was taken by the courts. He pointed to recent reports of a relative of Imran Khan in London praising Israel, as well as Israeli newspapers mentioning PTI’s connections with the country. He also referenced Israeli officials’ comments following Imran Khan’s arrest, calling for human rights concerns, which he suggested were indicative of deeper ties between PTI and Israel.
Regarding the broader issue of judicial reform, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon reiterated that all judges are respected by the PPP, but the authority to amend the constitution rests solely with Parliament. He called for unity among political parties to bring about necessary reforms for the nation’s progress and prosperity, while also ensuring that no individual receives preferential treatment based on personal or political affiliations.
In conclusion, the minister expressed hope that Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other political leaders would contribute their suggestions to the constitutional amendment process, and invited all parties, including PTI, to join the efforts towards judicial reform. He reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to protecting the constitution and ensuring equal justice for all citizens.
