Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Saadia Abbasi, speaking on a point of objection, said the Upper House of parliament passed a resolution on Monday in favor of establishing military courts when there were only around 90 members present in the House.
“The resolution was not part of the agenda, this process is against democracy,” Ms Abbasi said.
She argued that the decision of the Supreme Court was not related to the judges personally but was as per the Constitution.
Senate passes resolution urging #SC to reconsider its decision about military courts
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) November 14, 2023
“The invalidation of the jurisdiction of army courts is likely to facilitate vandals and abettors of terrorism and anti-state activities" read resolution.#SamaaTV #SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/l78okWdPGX
“This resolution is condemnable. The members should also strongly condemn it,” the PML-N senator remarked in the House.
PPP's Raza Rabbani and JI's Mushtaq Ahmed, including other members, demanded permission to speak about the resolution, to which the deputy chairman Senate replied: “Let the agenda complete first, then I will give time to speak.”
Read More: Senate passes resolution against SC ruling on military courts
Upon uproar, PML-N Senator Saifullah Abro pointed out the quorum in the meeting.
The required number of members was not present in the House on counting, and subsequently, bells were rung in the galleries for five minutes on the instructions of the deputy chairman of the Senate.
Later, the Senate session was adjourned until 10:30am on Friday.
As soon as the Senate session started, there was a commotion. Many members, including Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of the JI, stood up in their seats.
“Let the agenda be completed first, then everyone will get a chance,” the Senate deputy chairman said.
Senator Mushtaq had insisted to discuss the resolution passed on Monday.
The Upper House of the Parliament, the Senate, has passed a resolution in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on military courts.
Also Read: SC declares trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional
During a Senate session chaired by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Senator Dilawar Khan presented the resolution, expressing the Senate’s concerns regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on military courts.
The resolution argues that the apex court’s ruling interferes with the legislative authority of Parliament. It emphasizes that actions against terrorists should be conducted through military courts, which have been in operation since 1967.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed opposes resolution
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed vehemently opposed a resolution presented in English at the conclusion of today's Senate session, citing concerns over its military-like language and the lack of transparency in its presentation. The resolution, which aimed to bypass established rules and regulations, was neither shared with any senator nor included in the agenda. Despite these procedural irregularities, the resolution was pushed through, bypassing the usual legislative protocols.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed expressed his dissent during the session and vowed to persist in his protest against both the resolution and the unconventional manner in which it was introduced. Notably, the content of the resolution appears to exert pressure on the Supreme Court regarding military courts in Pakistan. Given the already serious issue of enforced disappearances in the country, granting additional authority to military courts raises concerns about potential threats to constitutional rights, human rights, democracy, and individual freedoms.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed underscored the historic significance of the Supreme Court's decision in this matter and strongly condemned any attempts to influence or pressure the judiciary. He emphasized that such actions could have far-reaching implications for the constitutional order and human rights in Pakistan. The senator's steadfast commitment to protesting against the resolution reflects his dedication to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights in the country.
آج سینیٹ سیشن کے آخر میں رولز ریگولیشنز کو بلڈوز کر کے ایک قرارداد انگریزی زبان میں پیش کی گئی۔ جس کی انگریزی فوجی انگریزی محسوس ہو رہی تھی۔ یہ قرارداد کسی سینیٹر کے ساتھ شیئر نہیں کی گئی اور نہ ہی قرارداد ایجنڈے کا حصہ تھی۔ قرارداد کو رولز ریگولیشز کو بلڈوز کر کے پاس کر لیا… pic.twitter.com/m0t0xVAwV3
— Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan | سینیٹر مشتاق احمد خان (@SenatorMushtaq) November 13, 2023
......
