Chief justice says judiciary has emerged as a saviour
Urges third pillar of state to play role in ensuring free and fair polls.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry addressing the concluding session of the International Judicial Conference 2013. PHOTO: APP
ISLAMABAD:
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.
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.