Apropos to lead news that “Follow the constitution, not the Supreme Court orders”. Attorney General Irfan Qadir has asked the Chief Election Commissioner that the commission must follow the constitution and not the Supreme Court orders in the dual nationality case of 11 legislators including interior minister Rehman Malik. Question arises did the CEC seek any advice from the AG? If not, under which clause of the constitution he has written a letter to the CEC who is otherwise a senior retired judge? On one hand we preach that institutions should abide by the constitution and on the other hand we negate it through our actions. We must be very clear in our minds that it is the sole domain of the Supreme Court to interpret the constitution; therefore, its interpretation is final and binding and cannot be challenged at any forum. History is full of examples where superior courts have struck down amendments by the parliament if it alters or seeks to alter the changes concerning fundamental rights.
Unfortunately, our rulers, whether military or civil, have practised their own rule of law. Therefore, it is taking time to bring them under law. Damages done over the past 65 years cannot be put right overnight. We must appreciate the efforts of the independent judiciary and the support of media making efforts to bring rulers under the law of land. AG’s letter to the CEC is uncalled for as the ECP is independent and cannot go against the directions or orders of the Supreme Court.
MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi
