Justice Jawwad S Khawaja has remarked “what justification is left for a democratic government to stay at helm of affairs, if it cannot provide flour to common man at subsidised rate”.
A three-member bench of the SC, presided over by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, gave these remarks during the course of hearing of Jamat-e-Islami (JI) General Secretary Liaqat Baloch’s petition against the growing prices of flour on Monday.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja further remarked: “The dogs of rulers are eating jam. Land worth of billion of rupees is being sold out at a throwaway rate. Million of rupees are being spent on fun fairs. If you cannot give inexpensive flour to the poor, then give them rat killing drugs. We cannot see the people dying this way. The federation and the provinces should know it well that wherever there is breach of Constitution and fundamental human rights, the SC will make necessary interference at every cost and will not spare any one. What justification is left with a democratic government to stay in power if it cannot provide flour at a low price to the poor?”
Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Attiq Shah appeared in the court, to whom the court said: “We have also given notice to the provinces. Tell us that if the provinces have also let the people starve to death after passage of the 18th amendment”. Attiq Shah told the court that orders had been issued to Ministry of National Food.
“A meeting was also held in this regard with them. We are ready to provide its report in chamber,” he said.
In reply, Justice Jawwad asked what has been done practically in this regard.
“What have these meetings benefited the poor nation? Is it the responsibility of the SC that it should tell when the poor are dying?”
Attiq Shah replied it is the institution for providing relief therefore, you can issue orders.
Justice Jawwad exclaimed “enough is enough”, adding that the government should be compassionate with the poor.
“We have reports of Sindh and Punjab before us. The reports of remaining provinces should be provided as well”.
The court sought a detailed reply from the federation and provinces on the price-fixing formula with regard to flour till April 14.
