In a historic move, the Sindh Assembly has passed a resolution to establish constitutional benches in the Sindh High Court, as mandated by the 26th constitutional amendment. The formation of these benches is expected to improve judicial efficiency and uphold the new constitutional directive, which has been a longstanding demand for better access to justice.
Resolution Passes with Majority Support
The resolution, tabled by Home and Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, received support from 123 lawmakers representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). Opposition came from a Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker and four members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The document emphasizes compliance with Sub-clause 7 of Article 202A of the Constitution of Pakistan, aiming to provide constitutional backing for the formation of specialized judicial benches.
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The Chief Minister’s Call for Nationwide Action
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged all provincial assemblies to pass similar resolutions to enforce the 26th amendment effectively. Then, Shah expressed confidence that the judicial commission and legislative requirements are in place to facilitate the swift implementation of these judicial benches. He credited PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the principal author behind the amendment’s framework, emphasizing that Bhutto led cross-party efforts to build consensus around the amendment.
Shah noted that PTI had initially shown support for the amendment, even nominating representatives for the constitutional committee. His government, he stated, would work closely with the federal authorities to ensure that constitutional benches become operational in Sindh soon, bringing tangible benefits of the amendment to the people.
Law and Order in Karachi
Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also addressed concerns regarding the law and order situation in Karachi. He praised the provincial government’s efforts, noting significant improvements in the city’s safety. Lanjar stated that events such as Muharram processions and international cultural gatherings were conducted smoothly, attributing the success to strengthened security measures and effective governance.
Responding to public safety concerns, Lanjar cited data indicating a 26 percent decrease in street crime and a 28 percent drop in car thefts. The Sindh government has fortified the Madadgar 15 emergency service, expanded police patrols, and implemented policies aimed at curbing theft, including measures to prevent the resale of stolen mobile phones.
Community Policing and Surveillance Expansion
To enhance public safety, Sindh has installed 7,000 new CCTV cameras across key locations as part of a community policing initiative. Furthermore, Lanjar highlighted that these cameras play a critical role in monitoring crime and deterring unlawful activities. This community-focused approach is part of Sindh’s broader commitment to restoring peace and ensuring a safer environment for Karachi’s residents.
The Path Forward
The passage of this resolution in Sindh signals a pivotal step toward the actualization of the 26th constitutional amendment. With the support of federal cooperation, the Sindh government aims to expedite the formation of constitutional benches to provide quicker access to justice. The establishment of these benches is expected not only to streamline judicial processes but also to enhance public trust in the legal system.
Finally, as the assembly session concluded, it became clear that this development could set a precedent for other provinces to follow. Thus, to ensure constitutional mandates meet the criteria, Sindh is paving the way for a strengthened judiciary, improved governance, and a more accountable system that resonates with the needs of the people.
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