Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for collective wisdom and efforts to ensure rule of law and supremacy of constitution in the country.
In his address on the floor of the National Assembly, the premier asked the parliamentarians to categorically decide if they wanted to continue with the prevailing ‘law of the jungle’ in the country or legislate for upholding the rule of law.
"Today, the fight is between democracy and fascism. It is high time that we take a decision with collective wisdom,” he said.
PM Shehbaz said that the country was at the watershed of history and it was important for the parliament to legislate on “matters concerning the country”.
He said the 1973 Constitution had defined the ambits of the State institutions and set a redline about their functioning.
“Today this Constitution is facing a joke and the country is suffering with a serious situation,” he said.
The prime minister said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan was enjoying immunity from the rule of law despite his persistent blackmailing and abuse of the judiciary.
"We need a categorical decision if we want to give relief to the nation or the 'favoured one' who does not abide by the law," he said.
Shehbaz pointed out that Khan, who was habitual of not appearing before courts and frequently mocked the judiciary, was still getting extensions in bail.
PM Shehbaz recalled that senior leadership of his party faced imprisonment for fake cases registered against them, however, no leniency was extended to them.
"On the other hand, he [Imran Khan] has got a long 'innings'. Every court in the country is granting him an extension. Is this the criteria of justice,” the premier raised a question before the House.
He said the three pillars of the State, including legislature, judiciary, and executive, had to play their due role, otherwise, the time would be left with regrets only.
"We have to decide for the future of the nation and take guidance from law and constitution," he said.
The prime minister termed as a ‘ray of hope’ the 4-3 decision of judges in a suo moto case regarding elections that dismissed the proceedings contending that the chief justice of Pakistan does not have the power to restructure benches without the consent of the respective judges.
PM Shehbaz felicitated the nation on 50 years of the formulation of the 1973 Constitution and said the polity was a binding force among all federating units of the country.
The prime minister lambasted the tenure of Imran Khan, which he said, pushed the country to the brink of economic default.
He mentioned Khan's violation of the pledges with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led to a serious economic crisis with an increase of foreign debt up to 70 and inflation.
PM Shehbaz said Imran Khan misguided the public through his so-called "regime change" narrative, however, later took a U-turn on his own stance.
"A liar and non-serious person incurred a big loss to the country. The biggest fraud of the country’s history has deceived the public in the name of the State of Medina," he said.
The prime minister said that the government was trying to mend the relations with friendly countries that suffered damage during the tenure of Imran Khan.
He said that the hypocrisy was at its high as Imran Khan had now hired a US lobbying firm besides holding meetings with diplomats.
"He has created a big divide among the nation and no one is questioning him," PM Shehbaz said, adding that law will take its course and this non-serious person would not be allowed to incur further damage to the country.”
He regretted that Khan was openly criticizing the brave armed forces, which was making the enemies of the country happy.
PM Shehbaz mentioned that the immense sacrifices rendered by 80,000 Pakistanis including the army, police, law enforcement agencies, and citizens saved the country from terrorism.
"During Imran Khan's tenure, the terrorists returned to their safe havens," the premier said, adding that the matter needed an investigation.
PM Shehbaz said that talks with Khan were not possible until he apologised to the nation for his ills.
"If he genuinely wants to sit down for negotiations, he should first seek forgiveness from the nation for his wrong-doings," he said.
"As a Pakistani, parliamentarian and the head of the country, I request the House to take urgent notice of the situation that Imran Niazi has created in the country," the premier said.
He said that the parliament needs to take solid action, otherwise history will not spare us. "Imran Niazi is trying to bury the 1973 Constitution,” Shehbaz added.
Regarding the audio leak of a conversation of a supreme court judge, PM Shehbaz made a request to the superior court for a forensic of the audio.
“Politicians are put in jails in no time, but how many judges have been ousted on corruption,” he said.
PM Shehbaz said that the parliamentarians need to decide if they will act as a herd of cattle or have the audacity to decide about their future themselves.
The prime minister said the country was facing a difficult situation even after 70 years of its establishment and only the rule of law could help to address the constitutional and political crisis.
