Outdated laws main hurdle in speedy dispensation: CJP

CHARSADDA/PESHAWAR: While vowing to protect all fundamental and human rights of people, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has said the outdated laws are the main hurdle in the speedy dispensation of justice in the country.

“Most of our laws are outdated and in dire need of being redrafted,” the top judge said after inaugurating the newly established Charssada Judicial Complex on Friday. “Lawyers must set together, arrange workshops and to suggest ways to update the laws and ensure the speedy justice,” he added.

Talking about delays in delivery of justice, the CJP said he has decided cases that dated back to his year of birth, ie, 1954, adding that there are still a number of cases that were filed over 30 years back in 1985.

“But I’m unable to explain to the complainants why I have delayed the justice for so long. It is my fault. It is the fault of this system. We all are responsible for it and have to correct the system. The judiciary has to deliver. It is time now. If we couldn’t deliver the country will not be able to achieve what it wants.”



Explaining his efforts as the chief justice, Justice Nisar said he is doing the entire struggle just to ensure the fundamental rights of the masses. “All suo motu notices that I took are aimed at ensuring basic rights of the public,” he added.

He said no comprise would be made on the fundamental and human rights of citizens and that he is ready to take up all such issues anywhere of the country in the interest of public service. "It is my passion to take up and address fundamental and human rights cases," the CJP added.

He also asked the lawyers for their support to ensure that people get their rights and to remove their miseries. “I am always ready to struggle to provide you with your fundamental rights. If someone here wants to inform me about violation of his rights, I will set up my court here and will provide him justice.”

Justice Nisar said according to Article 25-A of the Constitution ‘free and compulsory education" is a fundamental right of all children aged 5 to 16 and it is the responsibility of the state to provide free education to them.



The CJP also praised the new judicial complex in Charsadda and said it is one of the best judicial complexes in the world. However, he added a building is just a structure and it is personalities that make the institutions.

“Institutions are not made up of buildings but of people and personalities, who strictly adhere to laws and the Constitution. Nations of the world have achieved development and progress due to strong institutions, independent judicial system, quality education and statesmanship.”

Mian Saqib said unnecessary adjournments caused delays in the dispensation of justice and urged lawyers to cooperate for swift justice to litigants within the parameters of existing laws.

He said time has come for the judiciary to deliver, adding that active role of judges and lawyers is equally important in his mission of swift justice to all.

Earlier, the Charsadda bar president and members welcomed the CJP upon his arrival and apprised him of salient features of the building constructed at the cost of Rs854 million. The top judge was accompanied by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.

He also visited Charasadda District Headquarters Hospital, where he showed dissatisfaction over non-availability of rabies vaccine and other lifesaving drugs. He also inspected hospital’s emergency unit.

[WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP]