Bilawal Bhutto Confirms Mansoor Ali Shah to be Next Chief Justice, Calls for Judicial Reforms

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has confirmed that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will become the next Chief Justice of Pakistan on October 26, 2024. In an interview with a private TV channel, Bilawal emphasized the need to restore the judicial appointment process established under the 18th Amendment.

PPP and JUIF Preparing Judicial Reform Draft

Bilawal revealed that the PPP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) are working on drafting a consensus for judicial reforms. These drafts will aim to address the inefficiencies in the current judicial system.

Parliament and Judiciary Not Functioning Properly

Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of Pakistan’s institutions, Bilawal said neither Parliament nor the judiciary is functioning effectively. He referred to the delayed justice in the murder case of Shaheed Bhutto as an example, stating that it took 50 years to get any progress.

Judicial Reform and Need for Justice for Common People

Bilawal criticized the Supreme Court for focusing too much on political cases, stating that while only 15% of cases are political, they consume 90% of the court’s time. He highlighted the common man’s struggle to get justice, even at the High Court level, and stressed the urgent need for judicial reforms, including fulfilling the promises made in the Charter of Democracy.

Concerns Over Court’s Overreach

The PPP chairman also questioned the judiciary’s overreach in non-judicial matters, such as fixing commodity prices and building dams, asserting that these responsibilities should not fall under the court’s purview. He raised concerns about the judiciary’s priorities, emphasizing the need for courts to focus on delivering justice to the common people.

PTI and Constitutional Amendment Talks

Bilawal also spoke about the PPP’s strained relations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He explained that while PPP tried to play a positive role in the opposition, controversial statements from PTI’s leadership derailed any possibility of constructive dialogue. He noted that without PTI clarifying their stance, it would be difficult for PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to discuss constitutional amendments with PTI’s involvement.

Bilawal reiterated his party’s commitment to NAB and judicial reforms as part of the PPP’s manifesto and its promise under the Charter of Democracy.