Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar on Monday criticized the Islamabad High Court for its recent remarks in the case of the disappearance of journalist and poet Ahmed Farhad, stating that summoning the prime minister and senior military officers is beyond the court’s mandate.
Addressing a press conference in response to remarks passed by the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani in poet Ahmed Farhad’s missing case, the law minister said that judicial matters should be resolved within the courts. “The remarks passed today by a judge are not the mandate of the courts” he added.
Azam Nazeer Tarar said that missing persons has been an issue for a while, adding that the recent case of the poet is also of a serious nature and should be proceeded with cautiously.
“It would be much better if the courts make decisions without resorting to sensationalism,” he said.
The law minister expressed his concerns over the court’s remarks, which he described as painful and an attempt to undermine the authority of the Parliament and the Cabinet. “The courts summoning the Prime Minister and military officials is not within their jurisdiction,” he asserted.
Tarar emphasized that the constitution clearly defines the limits of power for all institutions. “When courts start taking over the responsibilities of the defense and military, including those of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, it disrupts the entire system,” he said. The law minister said that the remark about summoning the cabinet meeting in the court room is tantamount to ‘ridiculing’ the parliament. Referring to Article 248 of the constitution, Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the article provides specific protection to the Prime Minister and his cabinet members
Regarding the case of Ahmed Farhad, the Additional Attorney General had informed the court that the Ministry of Defense reported Farhad was not in their custody. Tarar insisted that while the case is undoubtedly serious and must be addressed earnestly, the judiciary must operate within its constitutional boundaries. “The Islamabad High Court judge’s remarks today are tantamount to putting pressure on the constitutional role of the Parliament and the Cabinet,” he noted.
Terming the remarks “inappropriate”, the law minister said they could spread “unrest”. He said that a representative of the defence ministry had already informed the court that the poet was not in their custody. “It is not the court’s mandate to say that these issues ‘will not be resolved like this’. The institutions also informed the court that they are ready to assist the police in any way possible,” he said.
Tarar also discussed the government’s plans to establish an authority related to digital media. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has formed a committee, chaired by Interior Minister, to draft a bill on social media regulation.
“Many countries have enacted legislation regarding digital media to combat the spread of misinformation,” Tarar explained. He assured that efforts are being made to ensure the bill is fair and effective, with the committee set to submit its proposals after thorough consultations.
Touching on international relations, Tarar expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran following the recent death of Iranian President EbrahimRaisi.
He mentioned that the Prime Minister would be visiting the Iranian embassy to offer condolences and that discussions had taken place to enhance bilateral cooperation during Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan.
In conclusion, Tarar reiterated the importance of respecting the defined roles of all state institutions as outlined in the constitution, ensuring that each body performs its duties without overstepping its boundaries. “The job of the administration is to protect the lives and property of the people, and if someone’s rights are violated, they should be referred to the court,” he said.
