ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial’s remarks echoed in Senate as treasury and opposition benches traded barbs over top judge’s statement on “Incomplete Parliament”.

During hearing of PTI Chief Imran Khan’s plea challenging amendments to NAB law, CJP Bandial observed that problems being faced by country could only be addressed through people’s decision. CJP also asserted, “Current Parliament has been systematically kept incomplete. Legislation taking place in current Parliament is also becoming controversial [as result].”

During Senate session, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui raised objections over CJP statement, saying that only Parliament is representative of people of country and not judiciary and armed forces. Referring to CJP statement that only one prime minister in country’s history is considered honest, Senator Siddiqui said that Justice Bandial had probably referred to ex-PM Muhammad Khan Junejo.

“Who gave him privilege to call everyone from Liaquat Ali Khan to Imran Khan liar?” “Have we ever named single judge and said that only one judge is honest? Don’t beat back of Parliament with whip every day,” he remarked. PTI Senator and leader of opposition Shehzad Wasim supported Chief Justice’s remarks, saying that Parliament is truly incomplete as “Largest party has been expelled”. Senator Wasim asked ruling party lawmaker to not consider criticism as insult, saying CJP’s remarks were not directly related to Parliament or elections. He said holding elections within 90 days of dissolution of assemblies was obligatory as per Constitution.

Shibli Faraz alleged that leadership of opposition Pakistan Terheek-e-Insaf was being victimised. Participating in debate titled “This House expresses its deep gratitude to President of Pakistan for his address to both Houses assembled together on October 6, 2022”, he said free and fair elections must be held for achieving stability in country.

He alleged that 43 members of National Assembly from PTI were denied entry into House other day.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 11 2023

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