The National Assembly deferred the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2024, while discussing various legislative proposals on Tuesday. Opposition member Barrister Gohar Ali Khan opposed the bill, which aimed to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court from 17 to 23, arguing it would impose a significant burden on the national exchequer. He cited constitutional articles requiring government approval for bills involving expenditures from the Federal Consolidated Fund.
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar concurred with the opposition’s concerns, suggesting that the Supreme Court reconsider the current number of 90 annual vacations. The Speaker agreed to defer the bill, noting the need to clarify whether it pertained to money bills or government funds. Meanwhile, PMLN member Daniyal Chaudhry emphasized the need for more judges to reduce case backlogs.
Legislative Agenda and Amendments Discussed
In addition to the judicial amendment bill, several other legislative proposals were introduced. MNA Noor Alam Khan tabled two key bills, including one to amend Article 184 of the Constitution, mandating that at least nine judges hear public interest cases. This bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the judiciary by expanding the bench size for cases involving fundamental rights.
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Another amendment proposed reserving two seats for overseas Pakistanis in the National Assembly and one seat in each provincial assembly. Additional legislation included amendments to prohibit individuals with dual nationality from holding positions in the judiciary or as civil servants, reinforcing the government’s stance on national loyalty and integrity.
Reforms to Healthcare and Agricultural Initiatives
The National Assembly passed a resolution urging the government to improve healthcare facilities in federal capital hospitals, ensuring advanced medical care for all patients. During the session, Minister for Water Resources Musadik Malik elaborated on the Green Carpeto Initiative, which aims to cultivate 800,000 acres of barren land in Punjab and Sindh at a cost of Rs 211 billion. Malik assured that water allocations would be balanced to avoid disputes among provinces and called for discussions to resolve any confusion.
PPP’s Khursheed Shah suggested forming a committee to assess water requirements for the project, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recognized the heroic actions of Mohibullah, an excavator driver who helped avert a disaster.
Judiciary and Legislative Autonomy Highlighted
Minister Azam Nazir Tarar reaffirmed Parliament’s authority to legislate on judicial matters, citing a full-court Supreme Court decision supporting legislative independence. He responded to criticisms of the amendment bill, asserting that the Constitution allows Parliament to regulate the judiciary’s rules of business.
The day’s proceedings highlighted the complex interplay between judicial reforms, legislative autonomy, and national interests, as the Assembly navigated contentious debates and introduced new initiatives to address pressing governance challenges.