Justice Faiz or Justice Mansoor in constitutional court, we have no problem, says Bilawal Bhutto 

Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stated that whether Justice Faiz or Justice Mansoor sits in the constitutional court, it does not matter to him.

While addressing the Balochistan High Court Bar, Bilawal expressed that both Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah are highly respected by him, and he has no issues with either judge presiding in the constitutional court.

He noted that lawyers in Balochistan have consistently stood against authoritarianism and that the people of the province have faced terrorism for some time. He emphasized that generations have sacrificed their lives for democracy.

Bilawal asserted that it is essential to abolish the black laws enacted by dictators. He highlighted that the journey of his family did not begin with a puppet.

There was a compromise between former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, General Kayani, and General Pasha regarding the implementation of the Charter of Democracy and the restoration of the 1973 Constitution in its original form, questioning the fate of the status quo and their control over democracy.

He acknowledged that current conditions are not good, but they were also dire when a pharaoh was in power and no one could speak against him.

He mentioned that the political struggle of the late Benazir Bhutto aimed at restoring the constitution, a journey that spans thirty years. They restored the constitution, while the late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was executed, and his family and other parties were targeted as well.

Bilawal questioned the meaning of contempt of court, asking if it means that anyone who speaks against a judge should receive a life sentence.

He criticized whether this represents freedom of expression, questioning if freedom of expression allows a judge to make decisions to dismiss a Prime Minister or amend the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Amendments without any challenge.

He stated that he has no connection to the judicial battle in Islamabad, claiming that the state has now become like a father.

He attributed this situation to Iftikhar Chaudhry, arguing that his mindset has tarnished the judiciary and expressed concern over a desire for decisions to be made without any complaints from the public.

Bilawal further stated that they are not just demanding the establishment of a constitutional court but also seeking improvements in judicial reforms and the process of appointing judges.

He referenced the Chief Justice’s initial speech, where it was mentioned that they would change their laws without requiring anything from the people.

He pointed out the situation regarding merit-based decisions, noting that around 24 positions are vacant in the Lahore High Court and 13 in Sindh, yet honorable judges do not communicate with each other.

He observed that the number of cases is high, and new political issues emerge frequently, diverting the attention of the judiciary and lawyers.

The PPP Chairman emphasized that the establishment of a constitutional court would not only provide immediate justice to ordinary citizens but also ensure that current judges remain focused on constitutional matters. If this does not happen, the members of the bar association should hold them accountable.

He added that they aim to create a system where courts can provide protection not overnight but within some time. This is achievable not merely through the appointment of a Chief Justice but by strengthening institutions.

Bilawal reiterated the need to eliminate the concept of sacred cows and establish constitutional courts at both federal and provincial levels.

He mentioned that military courts are repeatedly suggested because it is claimed that the judicial system cannot punish terrorists, and when judges are questioned, they respond that lawyers and prosecution are not adequate.

He concluded that the purpose of establishing a constitutional court is not to fix any judge but is a fundamental necessity, and he will continue to strive for it.