During a fiery speech at the National Assembly session on Sunday night, convened to pass the 26th constitutional amendment bill, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari strongly criticized the judiciary for its historical role in safeguarding dictatorships.
Bilawal stated that the judiciary has played a frontline role in prolonging authoritarian regimes, adding that its involvement in protecting dictators is well-known. He referenced the judiciary’s decision to hang an elected prime minister and its move in 1996 to strip Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of the authority to appoint judges, citing sexist notions about a woman in power.
In a sharp rebuke, Bilawal labeled the court of former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry as a “Kala Nag” (black snake), blaming it for removing two elected prime ministers—one for failing to write a letter, and the other for not taking a salary from his son.
The PPP leader further questioned the judiciary’s commitment to democracy, highlighting that the courts only invoked judicial independence and the supremacy of law after sacrifices were made to restore democracy. He asked, “Where were the judges when dictators were attacking democracy?”
Bilawal also criticized the judiciary for allowing former dictator Gen. Musharraf to contest presidential elections in uniform and for using its authority to undermine parliament and protect the dictatorship of Gen. Zia-ul-Haq.
