According to a recent press report, President Asif Ali Zardari said that all organs of the state must function within their defined roles as prescribed by the constitution. He also said that institutions would take time to operate within their limits.
The question that arises then is which institution or who in particular can decide which state organs are not functioning within their boundaries? The parliament comes to mind because it has the right to amend the constitution. But it cannot alter the fundamental principles and spirit which is then decided by the judiciary.
The PPP-led coalition government’s refusal to implement the NRO verdict and later the removal of elected PM in the contempt case has compelled the federal government to pass a new contempt law
Why does a tussle exist between the government and the judiciary? Why are both institutions ignoring the instability they have brought to the country they are serving?
Why did the federal government at the time of the passage of the 18th Amendment with the opposition on board, not implement the Charter of Democracy which prescribed the establishment of federal constitutional courts to resolve issues related to the constitution.
With all the activism of the SC, speedy justice is still a dream for the common Pakistani whereas the lower judiciary is still not corruption free.
I believe as our country is unique in many aspects, our state organs and institutions should have a Common National Council for at least ten years till the ethos of democracy is able to take root and the state institutions and organs are able to take responsibility of ruling the country with the sole objective of the welfare of the people while avoiding tussles with other state institutions.
S T HUSSAIN
Lahore
