The Supreme Court has once again imposed a ban on putting up plaques of politicians on development projects.
The Supreme Court directed the federal and provincial governments to implement its 2021 decision, and once again banned politicians from placing their plaques on development projects. The court has sought implementation reports from the federal and provincial governments in two weeks.
A report was also sought from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on the spending of development funds according to the Constitution and law. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa remarked that if the development work is carried out through one's victory, then putting up their name was possible.
The Supreme Court, while issuing orders, remarked that Pakistan is a democratic country and not a monarchy, adding that the people are not the subjects of any ruler. "Can people's money be spent against the Constitution and law?
The court directed the chief secretary to submit an implementation report regarding the distribution of government funds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
CJP Isa remarked that all political parties are on the same page on the issue of personal publicity and development funds. "If you want to compete, do it on how much income tax has been paid by which politician," he remarked.
He further asked if the Constitution allowed money to be spent without the approval of an assembly. "Why do lawmakers go to the assembly and contest elections? The main purpose of going to an assembly is to pass legislation and get permission for spending funds," he added.
The CJP said if lawmakers had to spend funds, they should get approval from the assembly. "People should also know where the money is being spent. When will Pakistan be run properly? If the assembly members want to buy a Land Cruiser, the funds are released immediately. Get approval from the assembly to buy a Land Cruiser. Why are schemes established in the name of politicians?" he expressed frustration.
He further suggested that if someone wants to do something, they should pay for it from their own pocket and then put up their plaques.
The CJP further said that everyone in China - from the minister to the assembly members - travels on bicycles, while Pakistani lawmakers were busy buying Land Cruisers. What happened during the era of Parvez Elahi was still happening, he said, questioning, "why is credit taken after inaugurating projects?" Place plaques with the names of freedom fighters".
CJP Isa inquired from the Punjab additional advocate general how many government lawyers were there in the province. To which he replied that currently there were 86 law officers, and their number ws being reduced to 66.
