The Pakistani government has called for a joint session of parliament after President Arif Alvi returned the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023 unsigned. The bill was aimed at limiting the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan. According to the president, the bill goes beyond the jurisdiction of parliament and could be challenged as colorable legislation.
The National Assembly Speaker, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, has called for the joint session on April 10th, 2023, in response to the president’s decision. The joint session will discuss the Supreme Court bill and reconsider its contents.
The prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has criticized President Alvi’s decision to return the bill unsigned, calling it “most unfortunate.” In a tweet, the prime minister accused the president of acting like a worker of the ruling party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and failing to fulfill his constitutional duties. He further claimed that President Alvi has belittled his office through his actions and questioned his loyalty to the Constitution and the demands of his office.
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023, aimed to curtail the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan, including the power to form benches and conduct suo motu actions. The bill was passed by the National Assembly but was rejected by the president for reconsideration.
The joint session of parliament provides an opportunity to discuss the bill’s contents and revise it according to the president’s objections. The session will allow for a more comprehensive discussion of the bill’s implications and ensure that it is constitutionally valid.
The government’s decision to call for a joint session of parliament demonstrates its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. The joint session will provide an opportunity for all members of parliament to discuss the bill’s contents and express their views.
The joint session of parliament on April 10th, 2023, will be a critical moment in the country’s legislative process. The session will allow for a more comprehensive discussion of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023, and ensure that it complies with the Constitution. The government’s decision to call for a joint session of parliament demonstrates its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.