- Former law minister emphasizes the significance of the verdict’s timing.
- Tarar points out that such verdicts have a detrimental impact on institutions.
- He clarifies that Nawaz’s lifetime disqualification has already been reversed.
Former law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar recently expressed his views on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding the review of judgments law. Despite describing the ruling as “very unfortunate,” Tarar emphasized that the decision would not significantly impact the likelihood of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s reentry into electoral politics in the near future.
In a conversation, Tarar shared his thoughts on the matter following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the new law. The ruling was made by a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Tarar, who is also a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), highlighted the importance of the timing of the verdict.
Tarar noted that the Constitution has established rules that govern the functioning of all branches of government, a concept often referred to as the “trichotomy of powers.” He expressed concern about the recurring instances of judicial intervention in matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the Parliament. Such interventions, according to him, tend to limit the Parliament’s authority and weaken the overall strength of state institutions. He emphasized the need to avoid this pattern in the interest of a balanced and effective governance structure.
Furthermore, Tarar remarked on the unfortunate timing of the ruling. The verdict was announced subsequent to the dissolution of the National Assembly, making it practically impossible to enact new legislation in line with the apex court’s directives. He mentioned that the review law had initially been introduced in response to demands from bar councils, which believed that the scope of the review process was excessively narrow and could lead to injustices.
Explaining the specifics of the judgments review law, Tarar highlighted some positive aspects of the legislation. One key feature was the requirement for the Supreme Court to convene a larger bench than the one responsible for the original judgment. Additionally, the law provided individuals with the option to change their legal representation, which was seen as a beneficial provision.
Despite the prevailing notion that the Supreme Court’s ruling might have closed the door on Nawaz Sharif’s political aspirations, Tarar offered a different perspective. He clarified that the verdict’s impact on Nawaz Sharif’s ability to engage in electoral politics is limited. He pointed out that Nawaz Sharif’s lifetime disqualification had already been nullified through an amendment to the Election Act 2017. This amendment altered the disqualification clause outlined in Article 62 of the Constitution, ensuring that disqualifications would not extend beyond five years.
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In Tarar’s view, any attempt to bar individuals from seeking votes and engaging with the public would run contrary to fundamental rights. He emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of democracy, which include the right of all citizens to participate in the political process.
Azam Nazeer Tarar’s insights shed light on the implications of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the judgments review law. While he expressed disappointment over the ruling and its timing, he remained optimistic about Nawaz Sharif’s prospects in electoral politics, given the constitutional amendments that have already been made to address disqualification issues.
