PPP leadership briefs PILDAT and HRCP on establishment of federal constitutional court

Liaquat Ali

Islamabad: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leadership, including Senator Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar and Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari , engaged in a series of consultations Tuesday to discuss the party’s stance on the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, a critical reform outlined in the 2006 Charter of Democracy, which envisaged a Federal Constitutional Court based on the equality of provinces with the jurisdiction of Article 184 of the constitution.

In a meeting with President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), Senator Rehman and MNA Naveed Qamar reiterated the PPP’s support for a dedicated constitutional court to handle constitutional matters effectively. The proposed court is aimed at enhancing provincial representation and equality. The meetings were part of a broader consultation process in alignment with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s vision to uphold the principles of the 2006 Charter of Democracy.

This reform is part of the unfinished agenda envisioned by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, ensuring that no government can exploit the judiciary for political gain. The PPP doesn’t endorsed any person specific legislation. Moreover, PPP is committed to fulfilling this long-standing demand of the Pakistan Bar Council and the legal community.

Later in the day, the PPP leadership, including Vice President PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and Secretary General of PPP Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, met with the Secretary General of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Haris Khalique. Senior members of the Women’s Action Forum (WAF), including Nasreen Azhar and Khushal Khattak, were also present.

Senator Rehman emphasized the importance of inclusive consultations, stating, “The purpose of these meetings is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are taken on board, and that this initiative receives wide acceptance, similar to the 18th Amendment.” She emphasized that the PPP is committed to establishing the Federal Constitutional Court through consensus-building and in consultation with all key stakeholders.