ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif strongly criticised judiciary for ‘interfering in political matters’, demanding accountability of incumbent and former judges.

Speaking on National Assembly floor, he accused Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan of conspiracy, saying that ‘special committee should be constituted to investigate cases from prosecution of former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto till date’.

Khawaja Asif lambasted Supreme Court for ordering ‘political parties to negotiate’, saying that it should first end their differences instead of ordering them. In reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf he said that ‘some elements’ were still facilitating political party, which came into power in 2018. “House’s responsibility is to become wall in front of facilitators”, he added.

“Practice of overthrowing prime minister should end,” he maintained, pointing out prosecutions of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif. “We should defend our Prime Minister, whatever party he may belong to,” he added.

“We were held accountable several times, now it is time to hold judiciary accountable,” he said, claiming that there were some people who get lifetime vehicles, guards and phone bills along with pension. Demanding accountability of judiciary, Asif demanded to constitute special committee of National Assembly, which will investigate cases from trial of Bhutto till date.

Khawaja Asif lambasted former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar for making people of Pakistan ‘dam fool’ by collecting funds for dam construction. “Which constitution gives authority to Chief Justice for collection of dam funds,” he asked.

Meanwhile, he admitted of supporting dictators but said they have paid its price. “They [judges] supported dictators but did not pay price,” he said, adding that cases should also be registered against those who have died.

“Parliament will not surrender and will not sacrifice its Prime Minister”, he added, urging House to ‘stand up and defend itself’. He concluded that they will not allow facilitators to do ‘wrong actions’.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 03 2023

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