ISLAMABAD, April 27 (Online): Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has remarked what steps have been taken by the government so far to show their good intent and it seems as if government is playing only pass, pass.
He further remarked, Farooq Naik told on April 19 in chamber meeting that chairman Senate will facilitate in the talks. Chairman Senate is neither the representative of government nor of opposition. If the government is serious in talks then it would have taken steps on its own.
He observed the court cannot force to hold talks. Court only wants implementation of constitution so that a solution to conflict could be found. The court does not want any explanation. Only tell us a solution.
Chairman Senate will summon meeting and it will also take time. The politicians should find out solution on their own. If no solution comes out from the talks then the constitution is there and our decision is too there. Tolerance and patience will have to be demonstrated in the matter of talks. There is no order of the court regarding talks. Only there is proposal by the court.
He remarked if no consensus is evolved for the protection of national interest and constitution then ” it will run as it is what it is. The government has taken what steps to show good intent. It seems as if government is playing pass, pass. It was expected the both sides will meet today.
The matter of holding polls on one day came up for hearing before a three members bench of SC presided over by CJP Umar Ata Bandial on Thursday.
Attorney General (AG) took the plea before the court first contact took place between government and opposition on April 19 and they had agreed on holding meeting on April 26.
Ayyaz Sadiq and Khawaja Saad Rafiq met Asad Qaisar on April 25. Asad Qaisar told he is not empowered to hold talks.
A day before government allied parties met and two parties had objected over the talks. But way out was derived. Chairman Senate has written letters to government and opposition in Senate. Chairman Senate has summoned four names each from government and opposition.
The CJP inquired on this occasion what effort was made after Asad Qaisar that who is empowered for holding talks. Chairman Senate was contacted in what capacity.
AG told the court it came to knowledge through media on Tuesday that Shah Mehmood Qureshi is empowered for talks. Senate is symbol of federation , therefore, chairman Senate was asked.
Coalition partners held meetings a day before. Two parties had objections over the talks. But a way out was found. Chairman Senate has sought four names each from government and opposition.
Farooq H Naik, counsel for PPP told the court all allied parties of government are ready to hold talks with PTI. Senate is only institution where representation of all parties is there. The role of chairman Senate is to facilitate. The committees of political parties only have to hold talks. This is a political issue therefore; let the political leaders solve it. The politicians should be allowed to settle the future of politics.
PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi took the plea court had given opportunity for evolving political consensus at the insistence of government. The political leadership of all parties had appeared in the court. There is no consensus among PDM on talks. PTI took the court order seriously. SC May 14 order is final. The court provided chance to the political parties in national interest. No contact was made with PTI.
He added PTI had nominated him, Fawad Chaudhry and Ali Zafar for talks. Asad Qaisar asked government to contact me. No one has contacted me so far. Chairman Senate on phone a day before that he was contacting me on the insistence of prime minister.
Chairman Senate where are the proposals which were given by SC. Senate committee is only dilatory tactics. Rules were violated by summoning National Assembly. During dharna I had said parliament is my political kabbah. The pending hearing matter cannot be discussed in parliament. I felt ashamed over the threatening tone and language used in parliament. It was said in parliament contempt of parliament has been committed. If government is serious we are ready to hold talks just now.
CJP while addressing Shah Mehmood Qureshi remarked these are political things. We are talking about case. You are saying contact was not made seriously.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on the occasion PTI is serious for talks. We are ready to sit today too. Government has decided to violate constitution and court’s decision.
Farooq H Naik came on rostrum again and took the plea I dont want to go to the point who is lowering the esteem of constitution and parliament. There can be no consensus what speech Shah Mehmood Qureshi has delivered. They should give the name to chairman Senate we are ready to sit tomorrow. Senate pursued Maulana Fazl ur Rehman to talks.
CJP inquired what science in giving names is. Has government given 5 names?
Farooq H Naik said PTI can give 3 names if it wants so. They should give five names compulsorily. There will be talks when we sit. Complaints will come and the solution will come out. The names from government will be finalized within 3 to 4 hours.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi told the court chairman Senate has sought names of only senators.
AG said it will be our endeavor that both committees hold their first meeting today. The political situation was not tense so much in 1977 as it is today.
The lawyer Shah Khawar told the court if the two parties are agreed then the solution will come out.
Barrister Ali Zafar took the plea if the atmosphere is conducive then the talks will take place.
Fawad Chaudhry said even the SC cannot change the constitution. The political parties should not be empowered to give date for election. If it is done so then no government will release funds for election. Not the parliament or court but constitution is supreme. The consensus among the political parties cannot change the constitution.
The CJP remarked the talks should have been held earlier. Courts decisions, constitution and law are there.
The court while adjourning the hearing of the matter maintained the proper order of today’s hearing will be issued later.
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