LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf says that the incumbent judicial system is not delivering because the courts have lost their credibility.

Speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday, he said the process for appointing judges should win the trust of all, and a consensus constitutional amendment is required to devise such a transparent mechanism acceptable to everyone.

“With the current poor credibility, the judicial system is not delivering,” he said, adding the PPP is advocating for constitutional amendments aimed at judicial reforms to alleviate the suffering of people facing litigation that prolongs for 20 to 25 years.

Flanked by Syed Hassan Murtaza, Chaudhry Yasin, and Shehzad Cheem, Mr Ashraf emphasised that the establishment of a federal constitutional court should not be opposed for petty reasons. “What personal benefit will PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari gain from advocating for the constitutional court?” he questioned, arguing that since the Charter of Democracy, assemblies began completing their terms as mutual respect for each other’s mandate was established.

Responding to a query about the recent PTI rally in Islamabad, he asked if any province could act against the federation as is currently happening, warning that destabilising national institutions would bring disgrace to Pakistan on the world stage at the time of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting.

He questioned the benefit of popularity that does not serve the national interest. Ashraf stressed the need for collective thinking and cooperation, hoping that all political parties would work together to establish a consensus-based judicial system. “The reforms are not for any individual but for the future,” he said, recalling that the PPP has been advocating for a constitutional court for 18 years.

In response to a question, he mentioned that party organisational notifications would be issued soon. Mr Murtaza added that the PPP desires to separate civil and criminal courts for the benefit of litigants. He noted that the chief minister of a province launched three attacks on the federal government.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2024