PML(N) withdrew a proposed clause in the 27th Constitutional Amendment that would have given immunity to the Prime Minister following directions of Mian Shehbaz Sharif, who said he believed an elected leader must remain fully accountable.
In a post on social media platform X, the Premier said he had learned upon returning from Azerbaijan that “some Senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the prime minister”. “While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft. I have instructed that it be withdrawn immediately,” the premier said.
This is, indeed, a bold decision of the Prime Minister that conveys an impression that he was not afraid of accountability as he was performing his duties and carrying out responsibilities in a lawful and transparent manner. The move assumes greater significance as immunity for the Prime Minister was within sight as the ruling coalition enjoyed two-third majority to get the amendment passed from the parliament. The sponsors of the clause apparently moved it following inclusion of the PPP-induced clause envisaging lifetime immunity for the President but rationale for withdrawal of the immunity clause for the Prime Minister was explained by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar who told reporters that the PM made it clear he was not interested in receiving immunity, given the executive nature of his role, adding the other positions being granted immunity do not have any executive functions”. However, it was also a fact that the immunity was not altogether irrelevant or unjustified given what has been happening to the elected Prime Ministers who were hanged, jailed, disqualified and humiliated on the basis of allegations that proved baseless and politically motivated. Because of the nature of their responsibilities, the elected leaders are required to take numerous decisions daily and they must not be held accountable if these are taken in good faith and in a transparent manner. The Prime Minister is also accountable to the parliament, which can initiate a no-confidence move against him in case of wrong-doing. Anyhow, the elected leaders need to be accountable but they should not be made scapegoats.
