Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized again the urgent need for judicial reforms and the establishment of a constitutional court to ensure swift and impartial justice in the country. He declared that the PPP will not be intimidated by threats from those in black coats or robes when it comes to constitutional amendments.
Addressing the Peoples Lawyers Forum (PLF) in Quetta today, Chairman PPP presented his party’s proposed draft for constitutional reforms, which includes the establishment of constitutional courts at the provincial level. He stressed that country’s judicial system has failed to deliver justice to the victims of terrorism, with judges unable to secure convictions in 50% of the cases, highlighting the dire need for judicial reforms.
According to a press release issued by the Media Cell of Bilawal House, the PPP chairman reiterated his party’s clear stance and ideology, which has been carried forward through three generations. “When something is wrong, we say it’s wrong,” he said, adding that the country is facing numerous unresolved issues, and while not all of them can be addressed immediately, the PPP will continue to strive for what is achievable based on our principles, manifesto, and the promises made to the people. He added, “Politics is the art of making the impossible possible. Even without holding the office of Prime Minister, I will continue to work for the people.”
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also reflected on the political climate in Islamabad, stating that the political battles in the capital often have little to do with Balochistan. Referring to the Charter of Democracy, he recalled that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had promised in 2006 to introduce judicial reforms and establish constitutional courts to ensure swift justice for the people. While landmark achievements such as the 18th Amendment, the NFC Award, and renaming the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were accomplished, judicial reforms remained pending. He stated that the current political environment presents an opportunity to realize this component of the Charter of Democracy (CoD).
He further mentioned that while the PPP does not have the majority in the National Assembly to pass constitutional amendments on its own, the party will work towards a consensus-based draft that aligns with its manifesto and the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He also expressed confidence that the proposal for establishing constitutional courts was introduced by Shaheed Bibi during the CoD discussions, noting that it was unlikely to have come from Nawaz Sharif.
Chairman PPP called for the reform of the judicial appointment process, stating that the 18th Amendment introduced a procedure whereby the judiciary would make recommendations, but the final decision would be made by a parliamentary committee with equal representation from the government and the opposition. He also emphasized that Pakistan’s current judicial system is inadequate in providing justice to the common man, especially in terrorism cases, where the conviction rate is less than 50%.
Chairman PPP expressed optimism that there would be consensus on these reforms, including the proposal to establish constitutional courts not only at the federal level but also at the provincial level, to ensure swift justice. He highlighted that nearly 50% of the cases in high courts pertain to constitutional matters under Article 199, making it essential to have constitutional courts at all levels.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also underscored the importance of revisiting the method for appointing judges, suggesting to return to the approach adopted in the 18th Amendment, where judicial nominations would require the approval of a parliamentary majority. He noted that the PPP had reached an agreement with PML-N and JUI-F on merging the current judicial committee and parliamentary committee to streamline the process of judicial appointments.
Chairman PPP emphasized the critical role of lawyers in this reform process. He announced plans to engage with bar associations across the country, saying, “We will work within our mandate. It’s not just judicial politics now; even judges are involved in politics, and we must address this together.”
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated the need for constitutional courts, reforms at the provincial level, and changes in the judicial appointment process, asserting, “If I am drafting laws and making constitutional amendments, I am doing it based on our party’s manifesto and the people’s mandate. Only the people have the power to decide whether I am right or wrong.” He furthered saying, “It has taken us 50 years to seek justice for Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This time, we will not be intimidated by threats from those in black coats or black robes.”