Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry addressing the concluding session of the International Judicial Conference 2013. PHOTO: APP
Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry said on Sunday that Pakistan’s judicial system ensures the protection of the democratic system in the country. “Pakistan’s judicial system is the strongest backer of democracy,” he said while addressing the concluding session of a three-day International Judicial Conference on Sunday.
The conference was attended by representatives from 21 countries, including, India, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Britain. Judicial officers from across Pakistan were also in attendance.
Justice Chaudhry commended the last democratic government for completing its five-year constitutional tenure. At the same time, he said the judiciary should play its role in holding transparent elections for the continuation of democracy. “Pakistan is a nuclear power and not a developing country, therefore, it is our responsibility to play our due role and hold free, fair and transparent elections,” he added.
Justice Chaudhry also praised the institution of judiciary. “In recent years, as the third pillar of the state, the judiciary has successfully emerged as a saviour and a protector of constitutional supremacy and fundamental rights,” he said, adding that the judiciary enjoys confidence of the people and other institutions. To substantiate his claim, he referred to a string of cases the superior judiciary has dealt with over the past few years to ensure dispensation of justice to the public.
Moreover, Justice Chaudhry said the judiciary has ensured equality. “No one has gotten undue favours. Whether it is a judge, a higher authority in the government or the common man – all have been given equal treatment,” he added.
He said that an independent judiciary plays a pivotal role in the eradication of oppression and injustice. “The judiciary gives priority to those who are in search of justice,” he said. In fact, it is one of the advantages of an independent judiciary that dispensation of justice is ensured.
Justice Chaudhry hoped there would soon be good governance in the country. However, he added that good governance cannot be achieved in the absence of an independent judiciary.
While presenting their recommendations, participants at the conference spoke in favour of joint efforts from all groups in society to eliminate terrorism from the country. They also recommended states ensure the protection of human rights, irrespective of region‚ ethnicity or nationality. They called for strengthening cooperation among states at the regional and international level in order to deal with international crimes.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2013.
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Savior? Yes, but how about getting the Interpol to bring absconders to Pakistan for bringing them to justice?
"Pakistan is a nuclear power and not a developing country..." Even developed countries, such as, in Western Europe are developing (further), how can you state that Pakistan is not a developing country? And, in some cases, the judiciary has truly been a savior but not always. For example, it failed to bring back to Pakistan the money from the Swiss banks!
With due respect, but i think Judiciary acted as media houses, as they only took notice and created hype after something went wrong in most of corruption cases. While it did stop them carrying on, but damage was already done, people fled with billions of rupees in many cases, culprit escaped any conviction what so ever.
Judiciary acted to point out and once the hype is created, it has done nothing to close these cases to their final end!
Bottom line, no mega corrupt, terrorist, criminal got punishment! thats what justice is really about! we have no results!
Another good dialogue by Sultan Rahi Not give punishment to a single terrorist/Talib
The judiciary certainly does not protect the human and fundemental rights of the victims of terrorism, when it sets free more than two thirds of terrorists arrested by the LEAs. By involving itself in politics, and over stepping its constitutional bounds, the Supreme Court has set back the development of an unbiased judiciary in Pakistan by decades.
CJ is unbiased
Sorry CJ you have not done your job as expected of your esteemed institution. We the people are disappointed beyond hope. Your institution is also abusing its power. We hope at some point soon the Judiciary is comprised of honest & impartial judges for the sake of our nation.
CJ is not a policy maker...he is a book follower... He technical has no right to go and give speeches....its a fact....
That's your perception CJ, we realize you and your team have done havoc and history will remember your role.
The CJ says the judiciary has saved democracy and protected constitutional supremacy and human rights. Haaahh! The Election Tribunal has allowed all crooks to contest elections and whoever was disqualified by the ROs, the tribunal has cleared them. Where is the constitutional supremacy and protection of human rights? Salams
After his retirement in December 2013, this CJ should write a book and highlight, for the young entrepreneurs of our country, how a grade 18 rolling stone of an officer became an owner of a 90 crore rupee company employing 400 people. It will be really inspirational.
A truer lie was not spoken in a long time. The judiciary tried everything to destabilize the government.
Sad moment for Pakistan , another pillar of Pakistan acting like they saved Pakistan and running the country , is there any difference than army take over?
so you are also responsible for the currant situation of the nation.
Pakistan, certainly has not been a developing country in the past 5 years.
LOL. In other words, Thank You CJ for doing your job. We owe you one.
No, what you mostly do, is not justice , its "JUST US"
Chief justice says judiciary has emerged as a saviour for my son....