ISLAMABAD – Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has advised convicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to seek relief through proper legal channels rather than political forums.
Speaking during a National Assembly session, Tarar said that cases linked to the May 9 riots fall under judicial authority and are not suitable for debate in Parliament. He emphasized that convicted PTI leaders must approach courts if they want to challenge their sentences.
“Those convicted should file appeals in the courts,” the minister said. He added that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decisions must also be contested legally, not debated in the House.
The law minister also mentioned that the Criminal Law Amendment Bill has been delayed for seven months due to lack of consensus. He urged all political parties to take part in meaningful discussions on pending legislation that could benefit both politicians and citizens.
Tarar clarified that court decisions should not be politicized. “We believe in the rule of law, and no one is above it,” he stated. He rejected claims that recent convictions were politically driven, asserting that all legal actions followed proper procedure.
This comes after several senior PTI leaders were convicted for their alleged involvement in the May 9 protests. Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul have already turned to the courts for relief.
Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz have filed petitions at the Peshawar High Court, challenging their disqualification by the ECP. Meanwhile, Zartaj Gul has submitted a protective bail request after being sentenced in absentia to 10 years by an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad.
As the legal proceedings continue, Tarar urged opposition lawmakers to stop using Parliament to question judicial verdicts. He reiterated that convicted PTI leaders should seek relief from courts, not through political protests or assembly debates.
For the latest updates, check our guide on Pakistan urging a Gaza ceasefire at the UN Security Council.
