Effective legislation needed to address issues, says former CJP Nisar

Honesty is a key feature for a country to succeed, says former CJP Justice Mian Saqib Nisar

KARACHI: Education and honesty are important pillars for a country's progress, and legislation is the most powerful institution in a country that can bring change by amending laws.

The former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar expressed these views on Sunday at a seminar organised by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR).

He said that a state was a great gift from Allah, a blessing for a nation. "We did not inherit Pakistan for free nor did we receive it as charity. Quaid-e-Azam's struggle, Allama Iqbal and Baba Bhullay Shah's vision and sacrifices of countless people are involved in its making," he said, adding that people who came to Pakistan after partition used to cry out of happiness and relief, but now the people seemed to be losing their patriotism which was an alarming sign.

"A country cannot be strengthened if its institutions are not strong," the former CJP opined. He added that the world progressed by amending its laws and legislation was the most powerful institution. According to CJP (retd) Nisar, justice was an important pillar for the progress of the country and the progress of a country was dependant on the quality of education imparted in the state.



He said that progress could be achieved by amending the laws, improving the system for education and justice and by creating an environment that encourages honesty and develop people's confidence in the system.



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The former CJP said that the business community was an important component that contributes towards progress and prosperity of the country. He said that the accountability process should be made clear so that corruption could be prevented and it could be ensured that nobody suffers injustice.

He said that no steps were being taken to curb white-collar crime. "If they want to obtain results by applying old laws that is not possible as those involved in white collar crimes do not leave any traces". To curb such crimes, new tools will have to be acquired and made accessible, he added.

Addressing water concerns
The former CJP said that while he was aware of the tanker mafia, he did not have a deep understanding of the water woes and the severity of water shortage. "For the first time, we formulated the Water Commission for the preservation of water". He said that Justice (retd) Amir Hani Muslim had made much progress in this regard and had he agreed to continue for some more time, water shortage in Karachi and Pakistan could have been reduced.

He said that the water dumped into the sea had a lot of impurities which they had tried to use efficiently. "We tried to set up a filtration plant, which is filtering 25% of the water," he added.

The environment plays a major role in a country's progress.
He said that during his childhood, he used to play in River Ravi and though it has turned filthy, the water from the river is still being used for cultivation of crops.

 



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He said that he wanted to create awareness among people about basic human rights. "Water is life and we cannot think of life without water". He added that policies should be formulated to spread awareness and the students should be educated about it.

Population control
Highlighting another major concern for the country, its fast-growing population, the former CJP said that if the population was not brought under control the population of 220 million would reach 390 million in a span of 30 years.

Jirgah system
Responding to a question, the former CJP said that there was no solution other than amending the law and the parliament was the only place where it could be done. He added that fighting and boycotting the parliament was not productive.

He said that in none of his speeches had he claimed that the judiciary was free from accountability. He said that a civil judge in Punjab has to review 160 cases daily within five and a half hours which means that he only has a mere three and a half minutes for each case, which was inadequate. "We will have to strengthen our infrastructure," he said.

Answering a question, the former CJP said that the Jirga system was part of the customary law but it was gradually declining. Bani Gala and FATA also employ the Jirga system. He asked why the system was followed only for females. He said that it should exist for men as well as this was equality which is promised in Article 6 of the Constitution.

The way forward
He said that provincial autonomy was the way forward for the country, but in Pakistan, the 18th Amendment was discussed only in closed rooms. No discussions, pertaining to the 18th Amendment, were held in the parliament, he said, adding that discussions were being held over handing over Jinnah Hospital to the federal government.

He said, "I do not plan to enter into politics. I am a professional and want to install free legal aid setup for those who lack resources". He clarified that the fund collected for the dam was for the dam only and said that the federal government would have to apprise the Supreme Court about the expenditure. He said that a website would also be launched where the expenditure will be made public.

KCFR Chairperson Ikram Sehgal said that it was important that Pakistan's positive image be projected and not only by politicians but also the people.

A shield was presented to the former CJP at the end of the event.