ISLAMABAD, Aug 6 (Alliance News): Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Wednesday clarified in the National Assembly that convictions in the May 9 cases were the result of lawful judicial proceedings, with no interference or involvement from the government.
Responding to a point raised by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the minister emphasized that once a case entered the trial stage, it fell under the jurisdiction of the courts, which were responsible for conducting proceedings and delivering judgments independently.
“This is a lawful process; objections can be raised, but the forum to do so is also the court,” he stated.
To reinforce his point, the minister cited the recent example of politician Jamshed Dasti’s case, where the Lahore High Court granted interim relief despite objections regarding the bench’s composition. He said that similar judicial norms and principles applied to the current May 9 cases as well.
Senator Tarar also clarified that in instances where interpretation of constitutional articles like 63(g) and (h) was necessary, the matter would ultimately be determined by the Election Commission of Pakistan and the judiciary, as per constitutional procedures.
Further addressing concerns about multiple cases and trials, he explained that in criminal law, it is permissible to conduct separate trials if the consequences or levels of participation vary.
He highlighted past legal precedents involving former prime ministers, where numerous references were filed and handled individually in courts. “Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif faced all such cases in accordance with the law and judicial process,” he added.
The law minister underscored that Parliament was not the appropriate venue to assess the merit of ongoing court cases.
“Our constitutional framework rests on the independence of the judiciary. Parliament’s role is to focus on legislative improvements and creating an enabling environment in the House,” he concluded.
