ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticizing judiciary for failing to stand against martial law at press conference, questioned legal basis of recent court decisions, particularly in relation to reserved seats and party defections.

“No member in case of reserved seats said they wanted to change parties. Under what law can judiciary tell someone to join another party?” Siddiqui asked, adding, “Judiciary has never stood up against martial law and now there’s an uproar over Parliament’s constitutional amendment.” He expressed concerns over recent court ruling that, according to him, created unnecessary complications. “Decision regarding reserved seats has raised many questions. It has made situation so complex that it seems impossible to resolve.”

He criticised frequent striking down of laws by judiciary. “We often hear that certain laws are in conflict with Constitution and judiciary interprets and rules on them. But is it possible for judicial bench to make mistake? What were reasons behind such errors?” he asked, referring to Election Act being repeatedly violated in this case. He criticised principle of “Complete justice,” stating, “No member expressed desire to switch parties.

Under what law can you force them to do so? He concluded by pointing to Article 239 of Constitution, which states that constitutional amendments cannot be challenged in court.