Defiant

Not ideal given the turmoil

The defiant note struck at the PPP’s core committee meeting is likely to jack up confrontation between the executive and judiciary, a situation that needs to be avoided. Responding to the Supreme Court’s order to implement its decision declaring the NRO unconstitutional without fail by January 10, the committee ruled out sending a letter to the Swiss authorities. It maintained that there was no need for the court to interpret Article 248 of the constitution as the provision regarding immunity to the president was clear and self-explanatory. This was meant to be a response to an earlier observation by the court that anyone seeking immunity has to bring the matter to the apex court. The committee also ruled out President Zardari’s appearance before the judicial commission probing the Memo issue maintaining that the Federation’s reply to the memo case is enough to explain the stand of the federation’s head. The stand taken by the core committee raises concern as it come sin the wake of the unguarded statements by Babar Awan.

The PPP complains that it is being subjected to bias and is being discriminated against. Cases are being taken up against it while many important applications that can harm its political opponents have been allowed to gather dust. The SC on the other hand has at several times castigated the government for employing dilatory tactics to delay the implementation of its directives. It took serious notice of a press conference by PPP leaders where harsh language was used to criticise one of the apex court’s decisions. A second press conference by Babar Awan however was equally abrasive, leading the court to issue the former law minister another contempt notice.

The confrontation between the two important institutions of the state needs to be defused. Instead of defiance, it has to employ a conciliatory attitude towards the SC. Irresponsible outbursts have to .be discouraged. It is the courts’ duty to deliver justice. Equally important for the court is to ensure that it is also seen to be even-handed and non-discriminatory.