ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Friday passed the Supreme Court Review of Judgments and Orders Bill 2023, which aimed to review the previous judgments and orders of the top court.
The National Assembly had already passed the same bill on April 14.
The bill was moved by Irfan ul Haque Siddiqui and was aimed at facilitating and strengthening the Supreme Court’s ability to review its judgments and orders.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar spoke about Article 188 of the constitution, which empowers the Supreme Court to review any judgment or order made by it, subject to the provision of any Act of Majlis-e-Shoora and any rules made by the Supreme Court. He said the new legislation is procedural in nature.
The PTI leaders strongly opposed the bill, saying that the government wanted to pass the bill to end the old case and disqualification of its leaders.
Wasim Shahzad, the Opposition Leader in the Senate, said that there was terrorism in the country and these people (coalition partners) were using the platform of Senate for their vested interests, adding that they targeted the PTI and its leadership.
Imran Khan, he said, was in pain but he appeared before the court while Nawaz Sharif despite being convicted in London.
“Stop use of Senate for vested interests,” said Wasim Sajjad, adding that the supremacy of the law was violated.
He stated that these people were wanted to end their disqualification in the cases.
The PTI leaders stood on their chairs and strongly opposed the bill.
During the same session, the Senate passed The Private Power and Infrastructure Board Amendment Bill, 2023 and the Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu Bill 2023. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented a report of the parliamentary committee regarding examining the amendments proposed by the Election Commission of Pakistan in the Elections Act, 2017.
Additionally, a resolution was passed expressing deep grief and sorrow over the death of former Senator Enver Baig. The resolution was moved by Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan and noted that the late Senator was a champion of human rights, diversity, and equality. It pointed out that Enver Baig was a strong supporter of immigration reforms and worked to create policies that make it easier for immigrants to settle abroad. The resolution extended condolences to the bereaved family and acknowledged that the services rendered by the late senator would be long remembered.
In his remarks, Minister for Education Rana Tanveer Hussain announced that books for O-level carrying objectionable material had been confiscated and assured that in the future, A and O level books would be properly scrutinized.
The session began with the Senate offering fateha for the departed soul of former Senator Enver Baig and for those who recently martyred in acts of terrorism in the country.
