SAPM Irfan Qadir says Judiciary has nothing to do with legislation

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Irfan Qadir has declared that framing news laws is the prerogative of the Parliament and it has nothing to do with the judiciary.

Addressing a news conference in Lahore on Saturday, Irfan Qadir maintained “We do not want to weaken the judiciary but it has no link with the legislation.”

The SAPM stated “It is being said that the Parliament should consult judiciary before enacting any law. We do not want to undermine the courts but the judiciary has nothing to do with the legislation.”

“Some people think that they are above the State,” Irfan Qadir said, adding “Legislation is the right of the Parliament, and not of the judiciary.”

On Thursday last, the Supreme Court of Pakistan while hearing a number of petitions against the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023 was informed that the government wanted to review the act in consultation with the judiciary. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan had said the government wanted to revisit the law and this time it will introduce amendments in consultation with the judiciary.

Referring to the Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023 and the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Order) Act 2023, the AGP had maintained: “We have two laws and both have similarities in the sections of review and hiring a lawyer.”

AGP Awan highlighted that the Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023 was more extensive and included provisions related to the internal affairs of the court. “It is necessary to arrive at a solution regarding which of the two legislations can be relied upon,” he added.

In reaction, CJP Bandial said: “We are happy that the government and the Parliament are bringing amendments to overlapping laws. The government should consult with the apex court when making laws related to the judiciary.”

The CJP further remarked that the Parliament could be told to look into the harmonization of both the laws. “We welcome your proposal,” he told the AGP.

The AGP then said the legislation done on the top court’s administrative matters did not take into account the judiciary’s advice. “Amendments to the law will now be made with the Supreme Court’s consultation. Besides legislations, advice will also be sought on other matters,” he added.