Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, restated the party’s firm support for a robust and independent judicial system, free from external influence.
Despite this commitment, Bilawal highlighted the historical instance where Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of PPP and former Prime Minister, faced the repercussions of what he termed a flawed judicial process.
Addressing the legal community at the Peshawar High Court Bar Association, Bilawal raised concerns about the “statute of limitation” regarding the ZA Bhutto reference filed by then-President Asif Ali Zardari in 2011.
He questioned the legal standing of the judiciary in the murder case and whether it could be considered a co-accuse in committing the alleged murder.
Bilawal vehemently opposed imposing limitations on time-barred hearing cases, emphasizing that seeking justice for murder is a fundamental legal right that should not be constrained by the passage of time.
He expressed hope that the Supreme Court, in line with the law and Constitution, would establish a legacy through its order, providing a roadmap for the progress and prosperity of the country and its youth.
Taking a dig at former chief justices, Bilawal questioned the legal basis for launching a dam fund campaign, referencing former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar’s initiative.
He also raised concerns about the authority of a Chief Justice to take steps that involve demolishing the homes of the less privileged, alluding to ex-Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed’s order to demolish illegally built structures in Karachi.
Bilawal emphasized the importance of a democratic system in overcoming current challenges, dismissing talks with terrorist groups as a regressive step.
He highlighted PPP’s history of serving the masses, citing initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program and the Benazir Sahulat Program in Sindh. Bilawal promised to extend these welfare programs nationwide if PPP is voted into power in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the party’s commitment to providing healthcare and other essential facilities to the people across the country.
