Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Khawaja Asif on Friday asserted that justice should not be swayed by personal preferences or the judge’s mood, emphasising impartiality for the judiciary to function fairly.
Taking to X, the Defence Minister warned that if justice is influenced, there will be “dishonesty and be considered a murder of justice”.
He also castigated PTI founder Imran Khan and his patron establishment and judiciary registered a “shameful dark chapter” in the country’s history. “When Imran Khan appeared before the court, it reminded of judiciary’s debt on [PML-N supremo] Nawaz Sharif,” he said.
Khawaja Asif emphasised that those who claim to uphold the rights of the PTI founder Imran Khan should also acknowledge the wrongs committed by the judiciary in the past.
Speaking in the NA, the minister said that a large number of unidentified individuals were often present at the building’s entrance, noting that people congregate outside the hall, in front of the elevators, and in the corridors, posing significant security risks. He noted that previously there was a system for issuing passes to members of the NA in the past, which should be implemented strictly to maintain security in the Parliament.
The defence minister emphasised that enhanced security measures were crucial to avoid any untoward incident.
He also expressed concern about the behaviour of individuals seated in the gallery, who he said often engaged in sloganeering, thereby “undermining the sanctity of the House”.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said on Friday that he has issued clear directives for the confiscation of mobile phones from media persons, social media influencers and others if they are found making videos of lawmakers when they are arriving or leaving the Parliament premises.
The directives were issued citing ‘security threats’, with the promise that strict action would be taken against media personnel, influencers, guests, or any individuals if they were found stopping lawmakers and making their videos within the Parliament premises.
“We have talked to the interior ministry as well as IG Islamabad; we are going to take strict action,” the NA speaker said while confirming that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s security concerns were “valid” before adding that “we have also confirmed the security threats”.
”Surprising as it may seem, the Parliament building is located in the Red Zone where security is always on alert as many key buildings, including the Supreme Court, PM House, and the Presidency are located.”
