Conference in AJK: CJP says progress isn’t possible sans uprooting graft

Says a comprehensive justice system is vital for peace

MUZAFFARABAD: Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali on Saturday said the country’s society would lag behind in prosperity and development unless its collectively said no to corruption.

“Corruption is the main obstacle in the way of prosperity as it is hurting the very fabric of society,” said Justice Jamali in his addresss to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Judicial Conference-2016.



He said good governance meant self-accountability, which, he said, was considered the main pillar of any state while a comprehensive justice system was vital for peace.

Justice Jamali said an impartial judiciary was important to deliver speedy justice. “The failure of justice breeds anarchy and uncertainty in the society; and if we want to maintain peace and tranquility then we have to deliver justice,” he added.

He said more than 60 per cent cases were pending in the courts due to inefficiency of the government institutions, corruption and negative mindset that must be changed to ensure the speedy justice in the country.

The CJP said the use of modern technology in the judicial system could help deliver speedy justice. “In this connection, we can learn from the experiences of other countries which are delivering justice while using the latest technology,” he said.



He said judges were doing a noble job and their attitude must be people-friendly and very soft.

“Judges and lawyers should be friendly with the people as they are the victims of injustice and we should treat them with the highest level of respect,” he added.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Supreme Court (AJKSC) chief justice also spoke on the occasion. Senior lawyers and the judges from across the AJK were present in the judicial conference.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2016.