ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution affirming that the power to make laws belongs solely to parliament and cannot be taken away. The motion, which was put forward by Ali Musa Gillani of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), rejected what it called the Supreme Court’s aggressive attempt to encroach upon parliament’s authority.
The resolution expressed concern that, during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of 1973, one organ of the state had blatantly violated the constitution, which is unacceptable. The constitution does not allow any institution to interfere in the affairs of others, the resolution added.
The previous day, an eight-member bench of the Supreme Court had issued an interim order stating that even if the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023 received presidential assent, it could not be acted upon until further notice.
The resolution clarified that parliament alone has the power to approve or reject the budget, financial matters, money bills, and the release of resources. No other institution can take away this authority from parliament or suspend it, as doing so would be a violation of the constitution.
The resolution also expressed concern over the eight-member bench’s decision to fix the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill for hearing, calling it unconstitutional and a black mark in the country’s history. The resolution rejected the bench’s decision as invalid and directed the federal government to rectify the situation in accordance with the law.
In addition, the National Assembly passed three bills: the Supreme Court Review of Judgements and Orders Bill 2023, the Code of Civil Procedure Amendment Bill 2023, and the National Accountability Amendment Bill 2023. The bills were aimed at strengthening the judiciary and promoting transparency in legal procedures. The bills received support from various government officials, including the Law Minister and Defence Minister.
