Bilawal distances himself from ‘judicial war’ in Islamabad

QUETTA: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that whether Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa or puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah becomes the head of the proposed Constitutional Court, he has no issue with any of them.

Speaking at the Balochistan High Court Bar, Bilawal said that both Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah were respectable to him. “I have no problem with either of these two judges sitting in the Constitutional Court,” he said.

He said that the lawyers of Balochistan have always resisted dictatorship, while the people of the province have faced terrorism for a long time. “Our generations have sacrificed their lives for the sake of democracy,” he said.

Bilawal emphasized the need to abolish the black laws created by dictators. He criticized the stance of former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, General (retd) Ashfaq Kayani and General (retd) Shuja Pasha, who questioned what would happen to the status quo and their control over democracy if the Charter of Democracy were implemented and the Constitution of 1973 restored to its original form.

He acknowledged that while today’s situation may not be ideal, it was far worse during the era of dictators, where no one dared to speak out. He highlighted the political struggle of the late Benazir Bhutto, whose primary aim was to restore the Constitution, a fight that spanned 30 years.

“We restored the Constitution after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged, and our party, along with others, faced significant targeting.”

The PPP chairman questioned the meaning of contempt of court, asking, “If someone criticizes a judge, will they be punished for life? Is that freedom of expression? Is it freedom of expression when a decision results in the removal of a prime minister, the alteration of the 18th and 19th amendments, and we have no say in it?”

Bilawal distanced himself from the “judicial war” in Islamabad, remarking that the state now resembles a paternalistic figure, and the role of Iftikhar Chaudhry is evident in this shift. He asked, “Do we have no right to question this?”

He further said that they are not only demanding the creation of a Constitutional Court but also seeking judicial reforms and improvements in the process of appointing judges.

Bilawal also pointed out the state of merit-based decisions, noting that there are about 24 posts vacant in the Lahore High Court and 13 in the Sindh High Court, yet the judges do not discuss these matters among themselves. “The number of cases is high, and new political issues constantly arise, diverting the attention of the judiciary and lawyers.”

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The PPP chairman said that establishing a Constitutional Court will not only ensure quick and speedy justice for ordinary citizens but will also allow current judges to focus on constitutional matters.

He also expressed his desire to create a system where the courts can provide protection not immediately but within a reasonable timeframe. “This will not be achieved simply by appointing a chief justice but by strengthening the institutions.”

Bilawal said that the concept of the “sacred cow” must end. He reiterated the need to establish Constitutional Courts at both the federal and provincial levels. “The idea of military courts resurfaces because the judicial system is said to be incapable of punishing terrorists. When ask, judges respond that the lawyers and prosecution are at fault.”

He clarified that the purpose of establishing a Constitutional Court is not to target any specific judge but to fulfill a fundamental need, and he pledged to continue his efforts towards this goal.