CJP Nasirul Mulk says court must resist unconstitutional moves

ISLAMABAD:

Outgoing Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk on Thursday expressed hope that the Supreme Court would resist any action that threatens the Constitution and the structure of the state formed under it.

Addressing a full court reference on the eve of his retirement, Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk said that progress, security and development cannot take place in the absence of safeguards provided in the Constitution.

Referring to the SC’s judgment for the protection of minorities, he voiced hope that the court would continue to play a role in ensuring that plurality and diversity of faith practices in Pakistan are granted protection under the Rule of Law.

“We can proudly say today that through the orders of this Court in the matter of implementation, we have tried to create, adequate provisions for the minorities to profess and practice their religions and develop their cultures.”



Meanwhile, the chief justice-designate Justice Jawwad S Khawaja said that the courts and the judges deliver judgments in accordance with law and Constitution.

The verdicts are lauded and also criticised. “It is the right of people to give opinions on court judgments, but sometimes it appears that those commenting on the rulings have not read the document or did not understand it.” He said a judge should deliver a ruling without being influenced or taking social pressure.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2015.