ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed two petitions calling for a nationwide referendum on the establishment of a presidential form of government in the country.
The SC registrar raised objections and said the petitioners have not approached other relevant forums before the court, neither are certificates attached with the petitions in accordance with the law.
The petition was filed by Tahir Aziz Khan, the chairman of a political party called the Hum Awam Pakistan, under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution which seeks implementation of a presidential system.
The petitions had called for establishing a presidential form of government saying the people were dismayed by the present parliamentary democracy.
They pleaded with the top court to direct the Prime Minister of Pakistan to hold a referendum under Article 48 Clause 6 of the Constitution to determine whether the people wanted a presidential system for their well-being.
The petitions suggested a referendum should be held by the prime minister only after seeking approval from a joint sitting of the parliament.
The petitioner states that Pakistan has a growing population that will increase pressure on resources and destabilise the fragile political system. It further contended that the dismal condition of masses and adverse economic crises directly reflects upon the system of the government and it has been established that the parliamentary system of governance in the country has failed.
The petition adds in parliamentary system, members of parliament are in the habit of changing loyalties to promote their own personal interests, and a healthy opposition and a strong government cannot take care of the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
It added there is insufficient legislation in the assemblies and the meetings of legislatures fail due to shortage of quorum. whicn compromises the monitoring role of the opposition.
It is further contended there was no separation of powers between the executive and the legislature leading to politicisation of the administration, nepotism and corruption. It said that the executive head and his ministers are not always competent as the selection of cabinet members has to be made from members of parliament.
The petition said the presidential form of government is suitable for Pakistan because the president requires no help from the parliament in exercising his powers to implement his agenda. The presidential form of democracy puts the decision-making process on a fast track, it said
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