Defense Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized on Friday that the government will not accept any disruptions to the functioning of the parliament and urged state organizations to respect their constitutional boundaries.
The senior minister made this statement during a period of heightened tension between the federal government and the Supreme Court over the general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as proposed legislation aiming to restrict the chief justice’s suo motu powers.
As Pakistan faces unprecedented economic and political challenges, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader told Geo News, “We will not permit anyone to infringe on the parliament’s authority.”
The defense minister stated that the government’s goal is to enhance the judicial system, as this would make it more accessible for citizens seeking justice. “The background of the current Supreme Court issues must be considered.”
Asif argued that although the legislature is the “foundation of democracy,” it has been less politically active than the Supreme Court due to the ongoing turmoil in the country.
He encouraged institutions to remain within their legal boundaries, stating, “They should respect their constitutional limitations.”
On Thursday, the Supreme Court halted the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure Bill) 2023, which aimed to limit the chief justice’s power to take suo motu notice and form benches, based on an “anticipatory injunction.”
Today, the National Assembly passed a resolution with overwhelming support, asserting that the parliament’s legislative authority cannot be usurped or disrupted.
Asif commended General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), for his comments on the supremacy of the parliament during a private briefing to the National Security Committee of the National Assembly.
The minister observed, “Individuals operate institutions, so the army chief’s statements regarding the parliament and the Constitution hold significant weight.”
