Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stated that the current judicial system is undemocratic, and that it is necessary not only to establish a constitutional court but also to introduce reforms at the provincial level. He emphasized the need to change the process of appointing judges and affirmed that this time, they would not be intimidated by “black coats” or anyone else.
Addressing the People's Lawyers Forum in Quetta, Bilawal said that the PPP's ideology has been passed down through generations, and the party has always spoken out against what is wrong. He acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the country, many of which have no immediate solutions.
Bilawal expressed concern over the resurgence of terrorism, noting that while the PPP doesn't claim to solve all problems overnight, the party has always made sacrifices for democracy. He stressed that criticism from the PPP is driven by political opposition, particularly regarding economic challenges.
He further stated that the PPP's vision is clear, and they aim to create a consensus document that aligns with the wishes of the late Benazir Bhutto. The party seeks to establish a constitutional court with equal representation from all provinces.
Bilawal highlighted that conflicts in Islamabad are unrelated to the issues in Balochistan. He lamented that Pakistan’s judicial system fails to provide justice to victims of terrorism, with many ordinary citizens being told their lawyer isn't competent. In 50% of cases, judges are unable to secure convictions.
Judicial reforms, according to Bilawal, are a monumental task. He noted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s party has long held a stance on this issue, and now, with potential consensus, they may be able to create a constitutional court through mutual agreement.
Earlier, while distributing relief checks to flood victims in Balochistan, Bilawal commented on the region being treated unfairly, promising that the people of Balochistan would receive all possible assistance. He also raised awareness about climate change on the global stage.
He mentioned that a government formation agreement was reached between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP, and as Foreign Minister, he signed agreements alongside the Prime Minister. Bilawal explained that they secured funding for a housing project aimed at rebuilding flood victims’ homes to withstand climate change.
Bilawal pointed out that it is challenging to secure Sindh’s share from the federal government, emphasizing that since 2022, not a single house had been built by the federal government in Sindh.
He warned that the federal government’s approach to flood relief funds could have serious consequences. In the future, if another Prime Minister or Foreign Minister seeks international aid for a natural disaster, the country's poor track record could hinder support.
Bilawal criticized the lack of agreement with PML-N on creating a constitutional court for 15% of cases but stressed that similar quick justice mechanisms should be implemented at the lower levels.
He explained that 50% of cases in high courts are under Article 199, and the remaining are other cases. If a constitutional court can be created at the federal level, the PPP believes that a similar court is necessary at the provincial level to provide quicker justice.
The PPP chairman said that reforms are needed both federally and provincially to ensure timely justice, especially for routine cases involving crimes and law. Bilawal also emphasized the need to revisit the process for appointing judges, or else the system would remain unchanged.
He pointed out that during the 18th Amendment, the PPP proposed that the judiciary could make recommendations, but final approval should be given by a majority in the cabinet.
Bilawal added that a consensus seems to be forming around the idea of merging the judicial and parliamentary committees, with both the judiciary and parliament contributing to the appointment of judges. This approach may garner broader agreement, though the PPP continues to stand by its original proposal from the 18th Amendment.
He concluded by emphasizing that reforms are essential for ensuring democratic governance in the judicial system. He reiterated that this time, no threats from “black coats” or anyone else would deter them, and only the public has the power to determine whether they are right or wrong.
Bilawal also acknowledged the critical role lawyers play in this process. He mentioned that starting tomorrow, they would begin engaging with bar associations in high courts and the Supreme Court across the country, asserting that while politics once only involved lawyers, today it also involves judges, with the two often operating together.
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