Justice Patel's experience demonstrates need for constitutional court in Pakistan: Bilawal

Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari commended Justice Dorab Patel's vision for the establishment of a federal constitutional court, saying it remains relevant today.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal shared that Justice Patel had first proposed the idea of a constitutional court. "Justice Patel's experience showed us that a federal constitutional court is a necessity for Pakistan," he said.

Bilawal also criticised those who believe that Pakistan's political history began with cricket victories or movements led by figures like Imran Khan and General Faiz Hameed.

"Our commitment to constitutional evolution, manifestos, and the Charter of Democracy has been unwavering, no matter how faces change within the government, judiciary, or establishment," he added.

He further highlighted the efforts it took to restore the 1973 Constitution through the 18th Amendment, stating, "It took us 30 years to undo the damage, and almost two decades to mitigate the effects of judicial decisions made under Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry."

Recalling Justice Patel's role in Bhutto’s trial, Bilawal said, "Justice Patel was among the four judges who refused to be part of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's judicial assassination, as there was no evidence against him." He also noted that it took the Supreme Court 45 years to acknowledge the error in conducting Bhutto’s trial in his absence.

Bilawal praised Justice Patel’s courage for resigning instead of taking the oath under General Ziaul Haq’s Provisional Constitutional Order in 1981. "Had Justice Patel not resigned, he could have been the Chief Justice of Pakistan," he said.