PM Comes Down Hard Upon Judiciary For Not Holding Imran Khan 'accountable'

The Prime Minister says this is the time to take action otherwise they will be regretting at the later stage.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 28th, 2023) In a fiery speech at the Nation Assembly, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that any talks between the government and Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), can only be possible if Khan admits to his past actions and apologizes for his wrongdoings.

The Prime Minister accused Khan of looting the country, attacking the judiciary, and having no faith in the Constitution and justice. He stressed that it was not possible to have a conversation with Khan until he publicly apologized to the people and took responsibility for causing damage to the country and the Constitution.

PM Shehbaz emphasized that no discussions could be held with someone who consistently rejects invitations for talks on important issues such as COVID-19, terrorism, apex committee meetings, or the Kashmir conference.

The Prime Minister expressed his approval of the recent dissenting note issued by two judges of the Supreme Court, which raised questions over the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan. He called the move a "ray of hope" for the country.

The Prime Minister went on to say that the decision had been made by four of the seven members of the bench, and that since Parliament is empowered to make laws in the country, it must do what it can to facilitate the decision by making laws that will support it.

The Prime Minister addressed the recent controversy surrounding the court proceedings of the PTI chief and expressed his concern about a certain individual who appears to have immunity from the law.

Despite receiving numerous court notices, this "favourite" manages to obtain extensions in secret and undermines the judicial system. The Prime Minister criticised the PTI chief for his disrespectful remarks towards a female judge and for making false accusations against the opposition during his time in government. He also accused the PTI government of violating an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

The Prime Minister expressed his disappointment that the PTI chief was resorting to violent tactics to intimidate the judiciary and evade prosecution. He stated that Imran Khan does not respect the law or the constitution and is not willing to face the charges against him in court. Instead, he is attacking law enforcement agencies.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of all pillars of the state playing their role in achieving the objective of steering the country out of its current crisis. He stressed the need for legislation to strengthen the rule of law in the country and ensure that the constitution's separation of powers is protected.

In response to the ECP's decision to delay polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until October 8, the Prime Minister justified the electoral body's decision, citing the resurgence of terrorism in the country. He underlined that no political party should run away from elections as polls are the hallmark of democracy.