“This is a Constitutional Court, Not a Royal Court — Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar Defends Judicial Accountability under 26th Amendment”

Islamabad:Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has emphasized that a key feature of the 26th Constitutional Amendment is judicial accountability, asserting that courts are constitutional institutions, not royal courts. He stated, “If they cannot hear cases, they should go home.”
Speaking during an event, the minister expressed gratitude to both the former and current Chief Justices of the Islamabad High Court for making decisions in accordance with the law regarding lawyers’ matters. He questioned the justification of labeling lawyers’ protests under the Anti-Terrorism Act, saying, “Even during Musharraf’s era, such actions were not taken.”
Tarar stressed that he has never sought backdoor support from any bar association and believes that the government should not interfere in bar politics. “InshaAllah, more positive developments will be seen in the coming days,” he said.
He clarified that the idea of a judicial council was not his own and reassured that the government’s agreement with the legal community will never be betrayed. “The beauty of the 26th Amendment is that it brings judicial accountability,” he reiterated.
Highlighting judicial diversity, the minister mentioned the inclusion of judges from Balochistan and Sindh in the Islamabad High Court, adding vibrancy to the bench. Tarar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Constitution of 1973, which he said is accepted by all political parties.
Regarding the transfer of judges, he explained that the Chief Justice of Pakistan will make decisions which will then be reviewed by the Prime Minister, followed by presidential approval. He rejected claims that judges from other provinces cannot be appointed in Islamabad.
On a concluding note, Tarar said he always meets visiting lawyers and highlighted the significance of the mega lawyers’ center project, calling it vital. “Our mission is to serve the people of Pakistan and we will continue to do so with greater determination in the future,” he added.