CJ pays homage to Arab at full court reference

Justice Gulzar says bench and bar two pillars of edifice of justice delivery system

ISLAMABAD:

Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed has said the bench and the bar are the two pillars of the edifice of justice delivery system and it is necessary for the smooth functioning of the system of administration of justice that there exists an amiable and congenial relationship between the two.

“A judge should exhibit apposite judicial character. Such qualities include integrity, uprightness, firmness, courtesy, patience, open-mindedness, understanding, compassion and humility,” the CJ said while addressing a full court reference held on Wednesday to honour Justice Faisal Arab.

Justice Faisal Arab, an apex court judge, retired on Tuesday.

Defining the qualities of a judge, Justice Gulzar said a judge must have capacity to analyze the facts of the cases, ability to understand new legal concepts and socio-economic and political issues, and apply laws accordingly. He should be aware of and follow the personal and professional ethics.

“He should have courage to do what the law requires him to do without being influenced by the race, creed or gender of the parties before it.

“The great philosopher 'Socrates' described the essential qualities of a good judge, which are: to hear courteously; to answer wisely; to consider soberly; and to decide impartially. These words are as true today as they were more than 2,400 years ago,” he added.

Paying homage to Justice Arab, he said the judicial pronouncements of the retired judge are remarkable for their clarity and lucidity. They carry a precise exposition of the law and are also meticulous in resolving multifaceted and complex legal and factual controversies.

“His judgments are like a work of art, all beautifully crafted and carefully tailored. Even the judgments he delivered in the cases where it was difficult to interpret law, he dealt with the issues in such a befitting manner that one could not realize the difficulty being faced by him," he added.

He said it was time to acknowledge Justice Arab's brilliance in the legal field and outstanding contribution to the court and the system of administration of justice in the country.

“It is a common feature that on the retirement of a judge, we get together to offer valediction to him, but the presence of such a glittering array of distinguished guests has made it a special occasion and it shows the respect you have for Justice Faisal," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Faisal Arab said nothing can be nobler than the act of dispensing justice as justice maintains the equilibrium of the society.

“It is said that it was the judiciary which civilized Europe. Take away justice and you take away civilized behavior from the society. How I fared as a judge is not for me to state. I have read somewhere that one should not take himself too seriously as no one has monopoly over wisdom.

“How true is the metaphor that whatever knowledge one gains is miniscule as compared to his ignorance which is boundless. So, while deciding a particular case, I never worked with the mindset that I possess unsurpassed wisdom,” he added.

WITH INPUT FROM APP