Federal Minister Warns Against Violating the Constitution
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, has said that decisions made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on the advice of a convicted person are constitutionally invalid. He emphasized that the province must operate strictly within the parameters set by the Constitution of Pakistan.
In a video message, Chaudhry stated that the Constitution clearly forbids anyone convicted by a court or currently imprisoned from participating in administrative or governmental decisions. According to him, involving such individuals not only undermines the law but also violates the spirit of constitutional democracy.
No One Is Above the Constitution
The minister reiterated that the federal government believes firmly in the supremacy of the Constitution. He rejected the idea of any personal law or so-called Niazi Law, referring indirectly to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has faced multiple convictions in recent years.
Chaudhry added that no individual, regardless of political stature, can be placed above the Constitution. Every citizen must abide by the law. Governance cannot be influenced by those serving sentences or facing judicial penalties, he said.
Call for Independent Decision-Making in KP
Urging the KP government to act independently, Chaudhry said that provincial autonomy must be exercised responsibly. He noted that decisions should be made freely and constitutionally, not under the direction or influence of anyone barred by law.
According to the minister, adherence to constitutional principles will strengthen trust between the federation and the provinces, ensuring the continuity of Pakistan’s democratic process. He warned that ignoring these principles could damage both institutional credibility and public confidence.
Broader Political Context
The remarks come amid growing tensions between the federal government and the KP administration, currently aligned with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Since the arrest and conviction of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, the federal authorities have repeatedly accused provincial leaders of consulting him from prison on key governance matters.
Legal experts note that Pakistan’s Constitution, particularly Article 63, disqualifies convicted individuals from holding public office or influencing state decisions. Chaudhry’s comments reflect the government’s intent to reassert constitutional supremacy and curb what it views as unlawful political interference.
