Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Malik Muhammad Qayyum has requested the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take suo motu actions on issues of national importance including 17th amendment in the Constitution, president in uniform and holding of free and fair elections in the country.
While addressing a press conference here on Friday, Qayyum maintained that ordinary matters like recovery of the abductees should be taken up by subordinate courts. The Supreme Court being guardian of the constitution of Pakistan should take notices on matters pertaining to subversion of the constitution. He was of the view that suo motu proceedings on ordinary matters are neither test case for the judiciary nor could improve its image in the eyes of the people of Pakistan.
He said parliamentarians could make any law or even amend the constitution but it is the duty of courts to interpret the constitution. He said Supreme Court should take suo motu notice on 17th amendment otherwise SCBA will approach the apex court against it.
He said that bar members had elected him to carry out activities for their welfare and to protect the law and rights of people but he said that he is presently focusing on welfare of the lawyers. He said that their stance on the point of democracy, constitution and rights of the people is clear and they will uphold principles.