ISLAMABAD: Raja Pervez Ashraf, the National Assembly Speaker of Pakistan, has warned the Supreme Court against intruding into the parliament’s domain, saying that “others will also try to intrude into your domain”.
In an interview with an American media outlet, Raja Pervez Ashraf stated that the superior judiciary should take over the legislative responsibility if parliament’s lawmaking authority is unacceptable.
Ashraf also remarked that the farce of elections should end if parliament is required to use its legislative power according to the will of the Supreme Court or a high court.
Referring to a recent apex court verdict in which it halted the implementation of a bill clipping the chief justice of Pakistan’s powers even before it becomes a law, Ashraf said, “How can you enter the domain of the elected representatives of the people? Now that you have intruded, others will also try to enter your domain.”
While the Supreme Court should hear all parties, the government should also shun rigidity, Ashraf said, adding that political matters should never be taken to the apex court as it harms not only politics but also weakens the judiciary.
NA speaker warns against division in Supreme Court
He also emphasized that division in politics is necessary, but division in the Supreme Court is dangerous.
Ashraf further stated that parliamentarians should resolve all political issues in the parliament or at any other forum on their own.
Regarding the recent in-camera session on national security addressed by the army chief, Ashraf praised General Asim Munir’s clarity of thought and expression of adherence to the Constitution and trusted in the constitutional supremacy of the parliament.
When asked about the possibility of any new anti-terrorism offensive in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan, the speaker said that no new operation had been initiated, but law enforcement agencies had already been acting against miscreants.
The National Assembly speaker’s warning comes amid a growing trend of the judiciary’s involvement in the political matters of the country, which has raised concerns among the elected representatives of the parliament.
