SC decision has strengthened war against terrorism, PM tells NA
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday while addressing the National Assembly session said that the Supreme Court's decision regarding the establishment of military courts has strengthened the war against terrorism.
"With this decision, the war against terrorism will be strengthened and terrorists will be discouraged," PM Nawaz said.
He added that the Parliament's decision has been validated by the court and the acceptance of the extraordinary steps is commendable.
"For extraordinary circumstances, extraordinary steps are required," the premier reiterated.
He further added that all political parties had reservations about the establishment of military courts, but to eradicate terrorism from the country, and to save people from unmerciful elements who play with human lives, this step was believed to be necessary.
"The Supreme Court's respected judge's historical decision will reap positive effects," PM Nawaz added.
Read: Military courts get Supreme Court nod
The Supreme Court on Wednesday in a majority ruling upheld the establishment of military courts in Pakistan.
Petitions challenging the 21st amendment were dismissed in a majority 11-6 vote of the 17-member SC bench. Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk and Justice Dost Muhammad announced the verdict. In a 14-3 majority vote, petitions challenging the 18th amendment were also dismissed by the bench.
While addressing the sessions, PM Nawaz once again requested Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and JUI-F ( Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam—F) to take back their motions to de-seat Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) ministers from the assembly.
"I asked the leadership of the JUI-F and the MQM to withdraw their motions to de-seat the PTI MNAs during the meeting with parliamentary party leaders but the issue is not resolve as yet. The PML-N will not support the motions of the JUI-F and the MQM in the National Assembly,” PM Nawaz added.
He added that statements made against the parliament in the past must be set aside in order to progress in favour of the country.
PM Nawaz also spoke of the situation in the country after the recent heavy rains and the relief efforts carried out in its aftermath.
SC verdict upholds the Parliament's sovereignty: Khursheed Shah
Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah also welcomed the apex court's decision by saying that the verdict upholds the sovereignty of the Parliament.
He too requested MQM and JUI-F to take back their motions, adding that PTI should be allowed to raise their issues in the parliament instead of taking to the streets. He added that deseating that PTI members will not be a positive step for democracy.
Criticizing the PTI's leadership in dealing with the de-seating crisis, Shah claimed that Imran Khan’s politics lacks a future strategy and long term planning.
"We all need to move forward for the progress of democracy in the country," he added.
JUI-F chief reaffirms decision to oust PTI members
JUI-F Chief Fazlur Rehman while addressing the session also welcomed the SC's decision on the 18th and 21st amendments.
Commenting on his party’s resolution seeking to ouster PTI lawmakers, Rehman said that the PTI MNAs have themselves tendered their resignations to the Speaker of the House.
Dismissing the government's request to take back the resolution, the JUI-F chief maintained that the PTI leaders and legislators mocked the honorable parliament during their sit-ins in Islamabad and now want to be a part of the same House.
Commenting on the recent flood disaster, Rehman praised the government efforts to help the affectees and its overall role in dealing with the situation.
“We will stand by government in any crisis that may arise the future”, Rehman told the parliament.