‘Double standards’ of the judiciary have hurt Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz

• Shehbaz Sharif slams courts for showing “double standards” of justice.
• PPP, PML-N leaders jailed during PTI term, with no appeal to justice, PM says.
• Says the PDM government is “determined” to solve the current problems.

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said “double standards” of the judiciary have damaged Pakistan beyond repair and that the only way forward is equality of justice.

Speaking to the media here, the Prime Minister said that the “double standards” of the judiciary are not acceptable and that such trends of courts with “likes and dislikes” are harmful to any society.

Prime Minister Shehbaz spoke to the media as he arrived at the Avenfield Flats to dine with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and his family.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by his son Suleman Sharif and his wife.

The Prime Minister — referring to the President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Imran Khan and his supporters who received extraordinary help from courts – said “double standards” of justice had been demonstrated in the recent past, where courts have handed out bail to the PTI leader day in and day out.

The Prime Minister contrasted this with the imprisonment, arrest and prosecution of leaders of the former opposition parties – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and PML-N – and others who opposed Imran Khan during the PTI rule.

He also referred to the arrests of PPPs Faryal Talpur and Maryam Nawaz Sharif – while visiting her father in jail.

The prime minister said opposition leaders have been imprisoned and have no appeal to justice.

While the opposition leaders faced trials and persecution at the hands of PTI and the courts, the prime minister said, no justice was available to them and no one listened to their pleas.

“Nowadays courts give bail day and night. This is double standards and people don’t like that.”

The prime minister said there is a collective need to play a role in the supremacy of the constitution, adding that justice should not only be done but also seen.

When asked about the battle between the judiciary and parliament, the prime minister said there would be no compromise on the supremacy of the constitution and parliament as enshrined in the constitution.

He said that the constitution of Pakistan gives rights to the parliament and these rights cannot be taken away.

“Parliament is playing its full role at the moment,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government is determined to “solve Pakistan’s current problems; we do our best and we will Inshallah overcome these crises. Pakistan will progress and reach its rightful place.”

He further added that it was a record wheat last year production in the country was recorded compared to the 10 years before.

“This is Allah’s blessing to us and a welcome development. We are working hard to solve all the problems.”

The Prime Minister landed in the UK’s capital, London, on Wednesday evening to represent Pakistan at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III.

He said he would represent Pakistan at the coronation of King Charles and would attend a meeting of the leaders of Commonwealth countries on Friday.

Some 2,000 guests, including global royalty and world leaders, will attend Saturday’s event in central London, with huge crowds lining the route to and from Buckingham Palace.

He is expected to return to Pakistan on Monday.