Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has called for greater parliamentary consultation on legislation related to the country’s defence forces.
Speaking to reporters in the parliamentary corridor, Gohar said PTI had never tried to make laws concerning the defence forces controversial.
He said the party wanted Pakistan’s defence to remain strong. He also said the armed forces were an important national institution.
Gohar described the Defence Forces Act as a technical matter. He said PTI had not been consulted about the proposed legislation.
“We do not want Pakistan’s defence to become weak,” he said.
The PTI chairman also raised concerns about public awareness regarding the proposed legislation. He said even the public was not fully aware of what laws were being introduced.
Gohar recalled that he had previously demanded that proposed legislation should first be brought before Parliament.
He said lawmakers should be given an opportunity to examine the proposed laws. They should also be allowed to debate their provisions before legislation is finalised.
According to Gohar, every major provision added to an act should be presented before members of Parliament.
He said proper parliamentary discussion was necessary for important legislation.
Gohar stressed that the issue should not be viewed as an attempt to weaken the defence forces. He described it as a technical and legislative matter that required consultation.
“Pakistan is ours and the Pakistan Army is ours,” he said.
His comments came amid discussion over proposed changes to laws concerning the defence forces. The PTI chairman’s remarks highlighted the party’s demand for greater transparency and parliamentary debate before the legislation is passed.
