- Federal Law Minister asserts Constitution allows appointment of ad-hoc judges
- Barrister Gohar says matter referred to SJC to prevent attempt to install ‘like-minded judges’
ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday asserted that the Constitution allows the appointment of ad-hoc judges while PTI reiterated opposition to the appointments, describing it as a move based on dishonesty.
In an interview, the law minister said that the appointment of ad hoc judges is determined not by the Chief Justice but by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. Hence in his opinion, ad hoc judges should be appointed as the Constitution permits it.
On the hand, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar while addressing a press conference in Islamabad, emphasised that the matter has been referred to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to prevent what he termed was an attempt to install ‘like-minded judges’.
“Four judges are being installed during holidays, the matter of judges should not be made controversial,” the PTI supremo added.
The federal law further stated that constitutional amendments are necessary for reforms in the judicial system and that reports of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s tenure extension are incorrect.
He argued that the debate over extending the service tenure of government employees has arisen due to increased pension costs. There has been an increase in the retirement age of government employees worldwide.
Thus, the government has to pay a heavy amount in pensions.
Tarar further said that the proposal to extend the service tenure of all government employees, including judges, was under consideration.
“The authority to amend the constitution lies with the Parliament”, the law minister stated.
Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the recent decisions of the Supreme Court have provided an opportunity for a certain group to strengthen. Eight judges have declared the constitutionality of specific seats.
“MPs who were sent home without hearing are also coming in review. The issue of imposing Article 6 on PTI leaders can be brought to Parliament”, the minister pointed out.
Omar Ayub criticises cases against party’s MNAs
Meanwhile, PTI leader Omar Ayub criticised what he called the fabrication of cases against their party’s National Assembly members. He denouncing cases against Imran Khan and other party leader describing them as baseless accusations aimed at tarnishing their reputation.
Ayub also highlighted the re-arrest of Bushra Bibi by the NAB team on what he termed as false charges. Addressing the Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Omrar Ayub requested that the PTI’s cases not be heard by the ad hoc judges.
“No one can point fingers at our patriotism,” the PTI’s General Secretary added.
Senator Shibli Faraz added to the criticism saying the current state of affairs in the country, and the system had been severely damaged during the past two years.
He expressed concern over the ruling elite’s failure to grasp the importance of public opinion and cautioned against any attempt to impose restrictions on the party.
Echoing similar sentiments, PTI leader Asad Qaiser lamented the prevailing anarchy in the country, asserting that Pakistan has become a lawless land where coercion and extortion prevail unchecked.
