Convicted PTI leaders should seek relief from courts: Tarar
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, referring to the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, emphasized that individuals convicted in criminal cases should seek relief through the courts.
The minister expressed these views during the ongoing National Assembly session and made it clear that the May 9 cases are not within the domain of parliamentary discussion. He said that instead of using the National Assembly as a platform to contest judicial decisions, the convicted parties should seek legal relief from courts.
“Those who have been convicted should file appeals in the appropriate courts,” he said, adding that the Election Commission’s decisions must also be challenged through legal channels rather than debated in the House.
The Law Minister also pointed out that the Criminal Law Amendment Bill has been pending for seven months due to lack of consensus. “No one is willing to sit and deliberate on the bill, which could benefit both politicians and ordinary citizens,” he noted.
Azam Nazeer Tarar reiterated that discussing sub judice matters or court verdicts in the National Assembly is a violation of the Constitution. “We believe in the supremacy of law, and no individual is above it,” he asserted.
Responding to criticism regarding recent convictions of political figures, the minister maintained that all sentences were handed down in accordance with the law. He assured that the convictions are not politically motivated, they are based on due legal process. Tarar called upon opposition lawmakers to participate constructively in legislative work instead of politicizing criminal convictions.
Meanwhile, the House passed a resolution reaffirming Pakistan’s historic and unwavering support for Palestinian people and their struggle for freedom, dignity and justice.
The resolution moved by Shazia Marri expressed deep concerns over the continuing and escalating Israeli military aggression in Gaza saying this has resulted in the killing of civilians and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
The resolution strongly condemned the recent statements and actions by Israeli authorities indicating plans for long-term occupation of Gaza, forced displacement of its population and efforts to erase the Palestinian identity of the territory. It also condemned the use of starvation, siege and collective punishment as tools of war, emphasizing that these acts are war crimes under international law.
The House called upon the UN and the international community to fulfill their moral and legal responsibilities by taking immediate and concrete steps to end Israeli military aggression in Gaza and ensure the protection of civilians and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. It emphasized that the occupying power be held accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity and that the Palestinian people be supported in their quest for justice and self-determination.
The House also passed a resolution urging the federal government to strengthen the legal framework to ensure strict punishment for unauthorized video recording, cyber harassment and digital defamation. The resolution moved by Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar emphasized the need for enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies including digital forensic units to investigate and respond promptly and effectively. It called for launching targeted public awareness campaigns about digital rights, legal remedies and safe reporting channels in addition to establishing dedicated complaint desks in police stations.
