I stayed within my constitutional limits: CJP

Top judge gets emotional at farewell, says judicial activism driven by sincerity

LAHORE: Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has said that he performed all his duties as determined by the constitution without meddling into the affairs of other institutions.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony organised by the Lahore High Court Bar Association, the chief justice said that he laid the foundation of judicial activism in the country for the betterment of the people. He is set to retire from his post on January 17.

“I have never exceeded my constitutional authority nor did I ever desire to. I laid the foundation of judicial activism with sincerity.”

Looking back at his career and tenure, Justice Nisar said he committed several mistakes, intentionally or unintentionally. “But there was no mala fide intention in them."



He also reflected on his 56-year long affiliation with the Lahore High Court, allowing the occasion to get the better of his emotions. “I rarely cry. But your love has overwhelmed me,” the chief justice remarked.

The country’s top judge also lamented the poor state of justice in the country but added that the judiciary is playing its role. “I can say with certainty that only two references are pending with the Supreme Judicial Council. The rest have been settled based on merit. References based on lies and deceit will not be allowed to become a noose around judges’ necks.”

He said he had been striving for the rule of law and requested judges to consider it more than just a profession. Speaking about lawyers, he said they are an integral part of the judicial system.

The chief justice also spoke in glowing terms about his successor. He said chief justice-designate Justice Asif Saeed Khosa always strives for quick dispensation of justice and tries to ensure there are no unnecessary delays in cases.