Govt's lawyer flays parties' heads, MPs, system

ISLAMABAD The Supreme Court Wednesday rebuked the Federations lawyer for criticising parliamentary democratic system, parliamentarians and heads of the political parties. A 17-member larger bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is hearing identical petitions against the 18th Amendment. Chairman Pakistan Bar Counsel Nasrullah Warraich while arguing said, It is difficult for noble people to contest election and get favourable votes to reach Parliament, adding political bigwigs did not confer party tickets to such genuine candidates. Justice Asif Khosa stopped Warraich from maligning democracy and the politicians. It is a serious issue and you must remain specific in your arguments rather than insulting our parliamentarians and democratic system, Justice Khosa suggested the Federations lawyer. Justice Ramday told Warraich, You are insulting the whole nation and the Parliament. Justice Jawwad S Khawaja told the Chairman PBC, I am appreciating your arguments because you are appearing before us in two capacities; lawyers representative and Federations counsel. Your first selection has been made by the lawyers for their representation and the Federation selected you as its counsel in this case, so whatever you would say I will appreciate you. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain remarked that it was amazing to hear from the Federations lawyer that unsuitable candidates become part of the Parliament. Earlier, Additional Attorney General KK Agha told the bench that Parliamentary Committee was established under the constitutional provision. The debate revolved around the Prime Ministers powers in the parliamentary system. Justice Khosa asked that Prime Minister would (be bound to) send the recommendations of the said Committee to the President without any input. Being the Chief Executive, the PM runs the state affairs and how his role can be minimised in judges appointment process, the Chief Justice remarked. If the National Assembly completes its tenure then in the absence of Parliamentary Committee how the judges appointment will be made while at the same time it is not possible to wait for 90 days - an obligation for general elections after completion of an assemblys tenure - because being an institution judicial functions must remain functional, the CJ asked. Replying to the Chief Justices query, KK Agha said that during the composition of the Parliamentary Committee public will had been considered. He left many questions unanswered, saying that the Attorney General would satisfy the Court. Later the Court adjourned the hearing till today (Thursday).