Pakistan
Punjab governor slams PM for not addressing the needs of poor
Salim Haider says it was not the PM's job to handpick a chief justice from a selection of judges
Islamabad: Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider on Saturday accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of ignoring his duty to help the disadvantages in favour of judicial matters.
Speaking at an international law conference at Kahuta University he criticised PM for prioritising the extension of judges over addressing the needs of the poor.
Haider said, “it was not the PM's job to handpick a chief justice from a selection of judges,” he said, adding that the history had showed that when this has been done, politicians have always faced backlash.”
“The prime minister is busy extending the terms of judges instead of assisting the poor,” said the haider.
Highlighting the flaws of country, Punjab Governor termed country’s justice system outdated and weak, with the poor bearing the brunt of the difficulties.
The governor pointed to the backlog of millions of cases pending in courts, urging swift changes in civil case proceedings to better serve ordinary citizens. He also expressed disappointment with politicians, stating that their priorities shift once they assume office. “A politician is aware of society’s issues, but after gaining power, their focus changes.”
In his closing remarks, Haider stressed the need for merit-based appointments of judges and rejected the idea of extensions. “If the top candidate is not capable, it’s the nation’s misfortune. Improvement will come only when judges, generals, and bureaucrats feel the pain of the nation,” he said, calling on those in power to prioritise merit.
Haider urged the prime minister to focus on passing laws that benefit the poor instead of intervening in judicial appointments.