Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi recently questioned the timing of a proposed legislation by the Shehbaz Sharif government that aims to curtail the power of the Chief Justice. He stated that the reform could have been brought at another time, especially since Pakistan is currently facing multiple crises. President Alvi further expressed his desire to play a positive role during these troubled times.
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023 was recently passed by the National Assembly after it was presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. The proposed legislation seeks to limit the Chief Justice’s powers to form a bench of his choice. The Pakistan government aims to dilute the chief justice’s discretionary powers to three seniormost judges of the Supreme Court.
President Alvi believes that the Supreme Court should have been involved in the reform process and added that when changes are implemented “by force,” questions are raised on them. He suggested that this matter should be settled by taking the apex court into confidence.
The President also expressed his concerns over the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to delay the polls in Punjab until October 8, citing security reasons. President Alvi had earlier announced that Punjab province would go to polls on April 30 after orders from the Supreme Court. However, the Election Commission of Pakistan postponed the Punjab by-elections until October 8.
In conclusion, President Alvi hopes to play a positive role during these troubled times, and he believes that involving the Supreme Court in the reform process would be beneficial. He also expressed his concerns over the postponement of the Punjab by-elections and urged for a resolution to be reached soon.
