Country should stand together against all threats: PHC CJ

The chief justice severely criticised the government for its lavish spending while ignoring the public's suffering.

PESHAWAR: Pakistan is surrounded by both internal and external security threats, but the nation must stand firm against these elements, said Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan on Monday. 

Addressing participants at the Judicial Clerks Convention held at Radio Pakistan Peshawar Centre, the chief justice severely criticised the government for its lavish spending, while ignoring the suffering of the public. “The nation cannot bear the lavish lifestyle of its rulers and instead of spending huge amounts on their luxuries, the government should take steps to provide relief to the public” he said.

The chief justice said public representatives are busy protecting their political interests, instead of steering the country out of its prevailing crises. “A 50% cut in the government’s expenses can double the salaries of all government employees,” he said.

“The public have lost its trust over their elected representatives, which is why the people should join hands to find out ways to mitigate their problems,” he added.

He urged the nation for self-accountability, saying that it is the only way to put the country back on track and ensure development. “Civil servants should keep in close liaison with the public to address their problems,” he said.

He demanded the government to provide interest-free soft loans to judicial clerks as house loan and increase medical allowances. Justice Khan also announced a Hajj quota for judicial clerks.