PTI Secretary General Threatens Strong Protests if New Legislation is Introduced in National Assembly
Opposition Leader Demands Immediate Announcement of New CJP Amidst Extension Rumors; PTI Threatens Protests
Omar Ayub Khan, the opposition leader in the National Assembly and Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has called for the immediate announcement of the new Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to replace CJP Qazi Faez Isa. This demand comes amidst swirling speculations regarding a potential extension of CJP Isa’s tenure. Addressing the National Assembly on Monday, Ayub emphasized the urgency of naming the new chief justice under the present circumstances and warned of robust protests if any related legislation is introduced in the assembly.
Ayub criticized the lack of clarity surrounding the appointment of the new Chief Justice and demanded that the Law Minister provide a definitive explanation. In response, Federal Minister for Law, Azam Nazeer Tarar, clarified that, according to the existing Constitution and laws, the Judicial Commission and Parliamentary Committee are responsible for appointing a senior judge from the high courts as the Chief Justice. He pointed out that a judge from the Lahore High Court, who was fifth in seniority, had previously been appointed to this role.
Tarar underscored that the 18th Amendment mandates that the most senior judge should be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, emphasizing that any appointment must be in strict adherence to constitutional procedures. “The appointment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court must follow the Constitution,” Tarar asserted.
In addition, Omar Ayub expressed gratitude to Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for issuing production orders for Haji Imtiaz Chaudhry, which allowed him to attend the National Assembly session. Ayub praised this as a commendable tradition and acknowledged Speaker Sadiq’s efforts.
Ayub also condemned the recent surge in terrorist activities in Punjab’s Kacha area and called for the dismissal of the Punjab Inspector General of Police. Furthermore, he announced that PTI would hold a major public rally on September 8, regardless of prevailing conditions.
Speculation is rife that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, with support from its allies, is poised to introduce significant legislation in the current parliamentary sessions. Sources within the ruling coalition indicated that crucial legislation might be pushed through following a recent meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Although details were not disclosed, it was suggested that the legislation could involve extending the retirement age for judges in superior courts by two years to address pension budget concerns.
The discussions surrounding these legislative changes have fueled rumors that the government might be considering constitutional amendments to extend CJP Isa’s tenure. However, some members of the ruling coalition have expressed skepticism about these rumors, noting that any constitutional amendments would require a substantial majority in the National Assembly—a requirement currently complicated by the suspension of 23 MNAs elected on reserved seats.
The PTI, which now holds seats under the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) banner, had previously contested the election of reserved seats through the Supreme Court. The court ruled on July 12 that PTI was entitled to these seats, further complicating the legislative landscape.
Despite the swirling rumors, members of the ruling party have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of upcoming legislative actions. When questioned, many offered vague responses or outright denial of the rumored changes.
As the National Assembly continues its deliberations, the political climate remains charged, with significant implications for the judicial and legislative future of Pakistan.