Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday criticized the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling in the reserved seats case, calling it a direct interference in parliamentary efforts to introduce judicial reforms. According to Bilawal, the verdict reduced the government’s numbers in parliament, making it harder to pass constitutional amendments for judicial reforms.
During an interview with a private TV channel, Bilawal stated that there was consensus among parliamentary forces about the need for judicial reforms and the creation of a constitutional court. He alleged that when the SC learned of the government’s plans for reform, it issued the ruling in the reserved seats case, thereby decreasing the government’s parliamentary strength.
Bilawal accused certain elements in the judiciary of deliberately blocking reforms to maintain their power. He further claimed that any effort to reform the judiciary would be undermined by those within the institution who want to preserve their dominance, even at the expense of the Constitution, democracy, and parliament.
He pointed to an unsigned Supreme Court order issued just before a scheduled committee meeting on judicial reforms as evidence of this obstruction. Bilawal reiterated that the only solution to Pakistan’s current crises lay in the implementation of judicial reforms and the formation of a constitutional court.
In a separate discussion with reporters at Zardari House, Bilawal emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to be passed before October 25, warning that if this deadline was missed, it would become increasingly difficult to enact the necessary reforms. He noted that the Supreme Court had acknowledged the parliament’s right to legislate, and he remained committed to ensuring the formation of a constitutional court.
Bilawal also addressed the trial of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in military courts, saying the decision would depend on the evidence presented. He emphasized that judicial reforms were essential and that the PPP was determined to establish both federal and provincial constitutional courts.
