Punjab governor censures PM

PPP leader and Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider on Saturday lashed out at the prime minister over constitutional amendments and appointment of judges, stating that instead of helping the poor the premier was "busy in extending the tenure of judges".

Addressing the National Law Conference at Kahuta University, the Punjab governor expressed regret that politicians when in opposition emphasize the importance of merit but once in power they equate their personal will with merit.

Criticizing the prime minister, Haider stressed that it was not the premier's responsibility to "choose one of four or five judges and make him chief justice", adding that "history shows that whenever this has happened politicians are left in the lurch".

He stated that the chief justice should be appointed on "¬merit" and no judge should be granted an extension.

"The prime minister instead of passing bills to benefit the poor is preoccupied with extending judges' tenures. He should come to his senses and allow decisions to be made on merit."

The governor described the country's justice system as weak and outdated, stating that it failed to provide any relief to the poor.

He called for reforms to review civil cases with consideration for the challenges faced by the common man. "The justice system and the culture of police stations reflect society. Civil cases drag on for generations, while the police refuse to register FIRs without political backing. If a false FIR is filed, the common man struggles to obtain justice."

Haider highlighted that the police were overburdened to an extent that officers work 24-hour shifts without time for rest. "We must provide the police with the facilities they deserve as their right. There is also a need to increase their salaries and revise their duty hours."

The governor noted that the number of pending cases in the courts was in the millions while people continued to suffer in the pursuit of justice.