Justice Siddiqui’s passing

The death of Sindh Governor Justice (retd) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui on January 11 was an unexpected event. Exactly two months prior, he took oath for office, acquiring the responsibilities of former Sindh governor Ishratul Ibad. Although he fell ill just a few weeks after taking office, we did not predict that we would need another replacement so soon. Notwithstanding, Governor Siddiqui’s accomplishments do not go unrecognised. He was praised internationally for his defence of the Pakistan judiciary. Having earned honorary degrees and memberships, Justice Siddiqui was a revered keeper of law come politician, which is a rare breed of leaders and difficult to locate in Pakistan. On the one hand, his honourable achievements deserved accolades and made him an apt fit for the position of governor. On the other hand, however, his health should have perhaps been taken into account prior to giving him the duties of governor, replete with the stress and workload it offers. Acting Governor Agha Siraj Durrani has a lot on his plate in this time of transition as the powers — the word being synonymous with responsibilities — devolved to the governor’s post have increased over time.

Most recently, Justice Siddiqui was involved in the deliberation of the Criminal Law (Protection of Minorities) Bill, wherein he rejected the ratification suggestion to refuse change of religion for a child under 18 years of age. Perhaps, he had his reasons and wanted to grant autonomy to a child or parent to be able to discern the child’s religion. As a person who served the Supreme Court of Pakistan, we would give his judgment a chance. The person who replaces him in the long term has an important post to fill. Justice Siddiqui remained in office for two months but the passing of the bill against forced conversion was a cornerstone for granting protection to minorities and paving the way for them to live peacefully with members of the majority. We hope to see a person as eminent as Justice Siddiqui in the near future and wish Governor Durrani well in his endeavours.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2017.

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