Staff Report
PESHAWAR: Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Saif, has termed the recent Supreme Court verdict on reserved seats a serious blow to the integrity of the country’s justice system. In a statement issued from his office, he said the ruling could prove more detrimental than the controversial decision that led to the execution of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
Barrister Dr. Saif stated that the 26th Constitutional Amendment paved the way for such decisions and legitimizing past judicial missteps. He added that PPP had rendered a disservice to Bhutto’s legacy by supporting the passage of the amendment.
He alleged that the ruling elite had compromised the justice system for political motives and accused them of subordinating national interests to personal agendas. According to him, political factions are misusing institutions to maintain power and have no regard for constitutional principles.
Dr. Saif also expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic norms. He stated that the mandate of the people, as expressed in the February 8 general elections, was disregarded, and that PTI, despite being the country’s most popular party, was denied its rightful share of reserved seats through what he called manipulation of election results.
He concluded by warning that undermining electoral and judicial processes poses a grave threat to democratic stability.