Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court, exhorted the lawyers on Thursday to be brave in their career and always speak up for the rights of the people, stressing that bravery was the essence of the legal profession.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the Karachi Bar Association, Justice Shah said that oath-taking was not just saying words, rather it was a pledge one would have to act upon. "This oath teaches us what to do in difficult times and whom to support," he added.
"The legal profession is knowledge-based and bravery is its virtue. You should have the courage to speak up for the rights of the people. You will face pressure, you may be distracted from your purpose but you will not deviate from your oath. If we break this oath, then everything will go wrong," he said.
Earlier, Justice Shah was warmly welcomed at the ceremony, attended by a large number of lawyers, including Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) representatives, and district and sessions judges. The lawyers raised slogans of 'People's Chief Justice' in favour of Justice Shah.
Addressing the ceremony, Justice Shah said that he should not be called as chief justice, adding that he was the senior puisne judge and he was happy with that. "We have the chief justice and I pray for him. May Allah keep the chief justice of Pakistan safe and in good health."
Justice Shah, while referring to an anecdote he read in high school, said that taking oath was like holding water, while cupping hands. "If the hands unfurl, the water will be wasted, nothing will be left," he added.
Earlier, Karachi Bar Association President Amir Nawaz Warraich welcomed Justice Shah and other guests. He said that the Karachi Bar had always raised its voice against the black laws and would continue to do so.
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