ISLAMABAD (ABN News) – Former Federal Law Minister Babar Awan has strongly criticized the recent legislative developments in Pakistan, claiming that the country is being pushed towards a North Korea-style model of governance. He accused the government of attempting to legalize enforced disappearances and suppressing democratic norms.
Speaking during a program, Babar Awan stated, “The National Assembly today does not consist of public representatives but a group of defeated individuals. Those who actually secured votes are not present in the Assembly – someone else has been installed in their place.” He described the current legislative process as a “blatant violation of constitutional principles” and declared that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will neither retreat, nor will lawyers bow down, nor will the nation remain silent.
Awan further alleged that freedom of speech is being systematically taken away in Pakistan. He recalled that during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, the Anti-Terrorism Act was used to suppress the voices of political workers, and similar tactics are now being used to crush public opinion. “They are trying to give legal cover to state-controlled suppression – this is nothing short of rebellion against the Constitution,” he added.
He condemned the ongoing political climate, stating: “This Assembly is not a symbol of representation but an imposed force. The government fears the people, especially the youth, the voters, and their voice. They want to prevent the public from protesting, speaking out, or stepping out – all of which are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Highlighting the situation of former Prime Ministers and PTI’s founding leader, he questioned, “Why are their trials being conducted behind closed doors? When previous leaders were openly tried, why is this secrecy now?” He alleged that the entire judicial and legislative system has become hostage to the interests of a single individual. “Justice is being delayed, cases are being deliberately postponed, such as the Toshakhana case. Not producing the accused within 14 days is a clear violation of law,” he said.
Joining the discussion, Senator Kamran Murtaza also lambasted the new legislation, calling it a “murder of lawmaking.” He said the bill was presented hastily and with malicious intent, violating Articles 9 and 10-A of the Constitution, which protect citizens’ fundamental rights. “Bringing such a bill on the last day of the Assembly session shows the government’s bad faith and desire to bulldoze democratic processes,” he warned.
Kamran Murtaza pointed out that granting the police unconditional authority to detain individuals for 90 days without trial is unconstitutional and fosters authoritarianism. “This isn’t lawmaking; it’s fascism. Silencing Parliament to pass bills is an insult to democracy,” he added. He further stressed that legislation must be based on principle, not vengeance, and that courts must act as guardians of the Constitution. “If this bill isn’t struck down by the courts, it will bury the basic rights of Pakistan’s citizens,” he said.
In the same program, Federal Minister Amir Muqam highlighted the devastating impact of recent natural disasters in Pakistan’s mountainous regions. He revealed that roads have been completely destroyed, and many areas are cut off, with several people still missing.
Muqam assured that the state is utilizing all available resources and that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally overseeing the relief and restoration efforts. “This calamity is among the worst in recent memory, but we will not back down. Every affected individual will receive the support they deserve,” he said.
He detailed that electricity, water, and transportation infrastructure have been severely damaged. Relief operations are ongoing in regions including Bajaur, Kalbur, and Swat, where conditions are particularly dire. “All relevant institutions are focused on restoration. The Prime Minister conducts daily Zoom meetings to review progress, and there is full coordination at federal and provincial levels,” Muqam stated.
He emphasized that this is not a time for political point-scoring but for collective action. “We are committed to public service. The government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people in their time of suffering,” he concluded.
