Barrister Ali Zafar Decries Parliament Silence Over Lawmaker Arrests

News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Barrister Ali Zafar has strongly criticized the federal legislature for maintaining a conspicuous silence over the ongoing arrests of senators and members of the National Assembly.
Speaking on the floor of the upper house, the senior politician argued that the continuous detentions of elected public representatives without due process constitute a direct assault on the dignity and supremacy of the parliament.
Highlighting the worsening political climate, Barrister Zafar stressed that the Constitution provides specific privileges and immunities to parliamentarians to ensure they can perform their legislative duties without fear of intimidation.
He warned that if the legislature fails to protect its own members from arbitrary arrests, the institution risks losing its constitutional authority and credibility in the eyes of the public.
The remarks underscore the deepening friction between the political opposition and state authorities amid a prolonged crackdown.
Legal experts note that the silence of parliamentary leadership on such critical matters sets a dangerous precedent, potentially eroding the separation of powers and weakening democratic oversight in the country.
The opposition party is now consulting with legal teams to formulate a comprehensive strategy inside and outside the parliament. Lawmakers plan to demand a formal inquiry into the legality of recent detentions and are expected to press for a joint parliamentary resolution to safeguard the fundamental rights of elected representatives.