Senator Shibli Faraz, serving as the opposition leader in the Senate, conveyed a comprehensive stance during an informal interaction with the media in Islamabad. He stated the readiness of his party for constructive dialogues, stressing that resolving pending legal cases should precede any negotiations. Faraz acknowledged the prevailing scenario where judicial interventions increasingly dictate political trajectories.
Faraz articulated his party’s willingness to engage in discussions for the betterment of Pakistan, albeit with certain preconditions. He highlighted the necessity of establishing a conducive environment conducive to fruitful discourse with the government and other key stakeholders, including the establishment. Central to his argument was the imperative need for an atmosphere devoid of coercion and characterized by adherence to the principles enshrined in the rule of law and the constitution.
Furthermore, Faraz reiterated the position that the pursuit of dialogue becomes futile within an environment marked by repression. He advocated for the release of political figures, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, along with women and other political prisoners. Faraz stated the importance of upholding political freedoms and ensuring the impartiality of the judiciary, proposing the formation of an independent judicial commission to investigate alleged infringements on PTI.
Addressing the issue of Ali Amin Gandapur’s occupation of Islamabad, Faraz stated its political nature and called for swift adjudication by election tribunals, coupled with the prompt issuance of a white paper detailing instances of electoral malpractice and procedural errors.
Furthermore, Faraz lamented the erosion of democratic norms, with judicial rulings increasingly shaping the political landscape. He warned against the detrimental consequences of sidelining elected representatives in favor of judicial interventions, highlighting the resulting marginalization of Pakistan on the global stage.
Faraz stated the urgent need to restore political and economic stability, cautioning against a descent into a cycle of political vendetta.
In sum, Faraz’s remarks acknowledged the delicate interplay between judicial decisions and political processes, advocating for a return to democratic principles and emphasizing the importance of restoring Pakistan’s standing on the world stage.
