Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Sunday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) should first address the concerns raised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Expressing his thoughts on Samaa TV programme, "Mere Sawal With Absar Alam," adviser to the prime minister on legal affairs acknowledged the challenges faced by the government and asserted that each day brought a new test.
He emphasised that the government's primary focus remained on public welfare. Malik said, "The government undoubtedly faced difficulties, and every day posed a fresh challenge."
He underscored the necessity of institutional adherence to boundaries, remarking, "If every institution worked within its limits, the country would progress."
"The PTI leaders must first resolve Maulana Fazlur Rehman's reservations," he remarked.
Malik referred to Rehman’s stance on the elections, stating, "Maulana Fazlur Rehman also highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had a Form-47 government."
On the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Malik mentioned that Fazlur Rehman had contacted the president regarding the matter. "Maulana engaged in discussions with the president over PECA," he said.
The adviser noted that the government had invited the media’s joint action committee for consultations on the act. "We conveyed that improvements could be made in the PECA Act. Let them sit with us," he added.
Malik dismissed the notion of complete freedom for social media, asserting, "Social media cannot be given an unchecked and unregulated environment."
He highlighted that journalist associations also acknowledged the necessity of social media regulations. "Journalist organisations agreed that social media required regulation," he said.
He urged the media’s joint action committee to present a draft for review. "Let the journalists’ joint action committee place a proposal before us. We will engage with them, and even amend the law if necessary," he stated.
Commenting on individuals spreading misinformation from abroad, Malik remarked, "If someone left the country and spread chaos, the government must investigate how they exited."
He stressed the need for action against false news, adding, "If it became evident that the news was fabricated, then legal action should follow."
Also Read: Matters regarding Faiz Hameed reaches final stage, says Malik
Earlier on Saturday, Malik said that matters concerning former intelligence chief retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed had entered their final stage.
Expressing his thoughts on Samaa TV programme "Do Tok With Kiran Naz" on Saturday, Malik said that the federal government had not yet decided whether a provincial delegation would be sent to Afghanistan.
He further disclosed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inspector general’s transfer had been a longstanding request by the provincial chief minister.
Discussing judicial appointments, Malik asserted that high court chief justices from the provinces would be appointed based on seniority. He added that the commission would decide whether an existing judge from another province would be appointed as a high court chief justice.
Explaining Islamabad High Court appointments, Malik emphasised, "The chief justice of Islamabad High Court must be selected from among the senior judges." He confirmed that the Judicial Commission would determine the transfer of judges in its upcoming meeting.
Addressing potential Supreme Court elevations, a spokesperson for government legal affairs stated that even the most senior judge could be elevated. Malik remarked that the elevation of one or two judges from Islamabad High Court to the Supreme Court remained a possibility.
He made it clear that the Judicial Commission would convene on 10 February to deliberate on these judicial matters.
