No concept of judicial martial law in Constitution: CJP

Vows not to let democracy derail

LAHORE: The country’s top judge on Friday ruled out the possibility of 'judicial martial law', observing there was no room for it in the Constitution.

“There is no question of judicial martial law,” Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said while addressing a ceremony in connection with Pakistan Day held at Cathedral Church in the provincial capital.

“The Constitution does not allow any such thing,” he added.

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had urged the chief justice a few days back to impose a 90-day-long ‘judicial martial law’ in the run-up to the forthcoming general elections.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Rashid had said appointing the caretaker prime minister was actually the responsibility of the chief justice as the whole nation was looking up to the judiciary in this regard.

He also stated unequivocally that autocratic rule would not flourish in Pakistan as long as he is chief justice.

“No extraconstitutional step will be tolerated,” the CJP remarked.

He also shed light on the important aspects of the development of the country, saying Pakistan’s development embedded in the supremacy of law, an independent judiciary and the provision of impartial justice to its people.

Justice Nisar made it clear any deviation from the Constitution would not be tolerated, and that he would not allow “democracy to be derailed in the country”.



He also hoped that the upcoming general elections would be independent and added that the next government would be formed in accordance with the Constitution.

The chief justice insisted that it was the duty of a judge to treat everyone equally without bias, either a ruler or a citizen and that the country would be run under the Constitution and judiciary would provide justice.

He stressed the need to unite as a nation which was the only way to safeguard independence and freedom.

He said that fortunately they are born in an independent country and it was a great blessing for them. He said they should be ready to sacrifice for their land.

“Besides giving respect to freedom, we have to protect it,” the CJP remarked.



He emphasised on the provision of education to the younger generation, saying the nations’ secret of success lied in it.

He said they have to do something in their lives for the humanity.

He also mentioned his student life and recalled his fun as a child student.

The chief justice said a teacher used to keep him away from the class due to his mischief. “However, I never compromised on learning.”

He said he used to get five marks in mathematics and not more than that.

“Children have the right to do fun, but they should never compromise on their studies and must focus on learning,” he added.