Only stepped in to rectify mistakes, says CJP

Justice Nisar says never misused authority while safeguarding basic rights of people

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar. PHOTO: EXPRESS

LAHORE:
Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar has said he never misused his authority while safeguarding the basic rights of the people.

“The [top] court did not intervene in internal matters of any national institution, but did step in to rectify their mistakes,” said the top judge while addressing a ceremony at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences at Alhamra Hall on Saturday.

“I’ve succeeded to some extent in the test that began after I took oath as the chief justice,” he maintained.

Justice Nisar said he fulfilled his duties during his term with honesty, and did not sleep for more than three hours (in a single day).

“I’m striving to resolve the issues being faced by the masses,” he said. “I tried to honour the promises I made after assuming my responsibilities.”

Justice Nisar wondered if taking a suo motu notice on clean drinking water doesn’t come under his jurisdiction. “Is it wrong to talk about water scarcity, or taking notice of the ventilators’ issue in Punjab’s hospitals,” he asked.

Striving to serve the nation: CJP Nisar

He said he was taking steps to improve quality of education in private medical institutions.

“Coming forward is a need as per the requirements under the present circumstances for the development and prosperity of the country,” said the CJP, adding that he appreciated the results of the institute and wished the students all the success in their future career especially in the medical profession, where they had to work round the clock.


“Discharging professional duties with sincerity is a true service,” the CJP added.

On steps being taken against poor performance of doctors, the chief justice said private medical colleges were producing quacks rather than doctors, while the doctors from these colleges “cannot even check blood pressure”.

“Private medical colleges grabbed millions of rupees, which I got returned to the parents of students,” said Nisar. “It is not my job to run hospitals, but my responsibility to rectify the errors and shortcomings wherever they are.”

He underlined that there were still such things in Pakistan which were not up to the international level. “Those [countries], which focus on education, witness development in the world; therefore, I say all the available resources should be allocated for education,” he added.

He remarked that the healthcare system in Sindh and Balochistan witnessed improvement.

"When I became the CJP, several people congratulated me. However, I should be congratulated when I retired. Then it will become clear that I have succeeded or not. I am striving in my life," he added. “My love is with all the hospitals and universities of Pakistan. May the hospital be from Tharparkar, Bahawalpur, Peshawar or Balochistan, I love all hospitals. My love is not with a particular hospital or area but I love the whole Pakistan.”

Nisar advised medical students to serve the nation by fulfilling their responsibilities towards the ailing humanity.

Addressing the occasion, Services Institute of Medical Sciences Principal Prof Mahmood Ayaz said all the students and their parents who got degrees in 2018 deserved greetings.

He said, “After wearing white coats, they have to come into the practical field to work for the ailing humanity in the hospitals.”

Prof Ayaz lauded the efforts and steps taken by the chief justice for the betterment of the health sector.

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