Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples’ Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari commended Justice Dorab Patel’s vision for establishment of federal constitutional court, saying it remains relevant today.

In post on X, Bilawal shared that Justice Patel had first proposed idea of constitutional court. “Justice Patel’s experience showed us that federal constitutional court is necessity for Pakistan,” he said.

Bilawal criticised those who believe that Pakistan’s political history began with cricket victories or movements led by figures like Imran Khan and General Faiz Hameed.

“Our commitment to constitutional evolution, manifestos and Charter of Democracy has been unwavering, no matter how faces change within government, judiciary, or establishment,” he added.

He highlighted efforts it took to restore 1973 Constitution through 18th Amendment, stating, “It took us 30 years to undo damage and almost two decades to mitigate effects of judicial decisions made under then Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.”

Recalling Justice Patel’s role in Bhutto’s trial, Bilawal said, “Justice Patel was among four judges who refused to be part of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s judicial assassination, as there was no evidence against him.”

He praised Justice Patel’s courage for resigning instead of taking oath under General Ziaul Haq’s Provisional Constitutional Order in 1981. “Had Justice Patel not resigned, he could have been Chief Justice of Pakistan,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 14 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.