I can't grant amnesty in May 9 cases: Tarar

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar came down hard on the PTI on Wednesday as opposition lawmakers interrupted him with loud chants of "chor, chor" (thief, thief) and "jhoota, jhoota" (liar, liar).

Addressing the National Assembly, Tarar expressed disappointment that what he expected to be constructive cut motions on human rights turned into political point-scoring. "I had hoped that we would hear positive proposals during the cut motions on human rights," he said. He lashed out at the opposition for politicising the subject.

"The legislation we've passed should have been discussed. Instead, this important and innocent subject has been sacrificed at the altar of politics."

Responding to criticism over the role of parliamentary committees, Tarar said there was no link between the federal budget and the standing committees.

Regarding the legal proceedings related to the May 9 riots, the law minister stated: "I do not have the authority to pardon cases related to May 9."

Tarar reminded the opposition to respect parliamentary norms. "Instead of focusing on national priorities like the budget, they are busy recording petty grievances and sending them to Adiala Jail," he added.

Calling the federal budget a "serious national matter," the minister urged a more mature approach. "Let's not forget the sacrifices of our leaders ... Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid down his life for the truth. Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz have also endured persecution," he said.