Shazia Marri slams opposition for ‘political hypocrisy’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians Information Secretary Shazia Marri said on Monday that the PPP has demonstrated seriousness and transparency in its approach to the 27th Constitutional Amendment, emphasising that the party remains committed to strengthening parliamentary democracy and the spirit of the Charter of Democracy.In a press talk outside the Parliament House on Tuesday, Shazia Marri criticised the opposition for what she termed “political hypocrisy,” saying that while they made loud claims, they failed to submit any formal proposals during the current constitutional process. “The opposition gave suggestions during the 26th Amendment but none for the 27th. Making noise in the media cannot replace parliamentary input,” she said.

“History will record that while PPP engaged constructively, the PTI chose to stay away and offered no input,” she said. She said that the PPP’s parliamentary meeting will be held on Wednesday at 12:30 PM, ahead of the scheduled voting on the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

She said the PPP had rejected proposals to alter the 18th Amendment and Article 160-A (3), as well as suggestions related to population and education issues. “However, the party had agreed in principle to the establishment of a Constitutional Court, a concept already included in the Charter of Democracy,” she said. “The PPP brought the 27th Amendment forward in a transparent manner,” she said. “We stood firm where we had reservations, and since there was no consensus on certain clauses, we did not compromise.” Addressing concerns about the judiciary, she rejected claims that the 27th Amendment would harm the courts. “The Constitution itself defines judicial powers. The amendment does not weaken the judiciary in any way,” she said. “We are not General Musharraf—we won’t send judges home. We want the Supreme Court to focus on the 55,000 pending cases.” “No institution is perfect, but we are moving toward improvement,” Marri remarked, adding that “one institution in the past allowed a man in uniform to distort the Constitution.” Marri clarified that the proposed amendment contains no provision regarding dual nationality, dismissing such reports as “baseless rumours.” On the question of presidential immunity, she said it was a constitutional principle practised in several countries, not an arrangement for any individual. She added that President Asif Ali Zardari firmly believes in the supremacy of Parliament, reminding that it was Zardari who had returned key powers to Parliament that were taken away by former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf.

Marri said the PPP will not compromise on provincial autonomy and will continue discussions with the government on the unfinished agenda of the Charter of Democracy.