ISLAMABAD - A delegation of Punjab Bar Council (PBC) called on Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed at the Supreme Court building here yesterday. The Chief Justice welcomed the delegation headed by Farhan Shahzad, Vice Chairman, and comprising Mian Arshad Ali, Chairman PLJ Committee.
Talking to the delegation, Chief Justice Gulzar said that tedious task of dispensation of justice is entrusted upon institution of judiciary which cannot be fulfilled without proper assistance of bar, therefore, both bench and bar should work hard for dispensation of justice so that aggrieved parties can get prompt relief.
“Being the part of same system, bench and bar have close cordial nexus, therefore, I always visit bar associations whenever invited,” added the CJP.
He further said that it has been observed that there is a trend of strikes by bar associations on petty affairs that not only affect court business as most of the cases are adjourned, but also enhances despondencies of litigants that causes bad name for the institution of judiciary. This practice needs to be discouraged to uphold dignity, integrity, respect, honour and sanctity of the profession and institution.
The bar members informed the Chief Justice that the practice of strikes has been discouraged upto 95 per cent in Punjab. They discussed the issue of faulty investigation in criminal justice system.
The Chief Justice told them that the issue will be discussed at the forum of Police Reforms Committee in the forthcoming meeting.
They further pointed out that there are insufficient security measures in court premises due to which many incidents of security breach have been reported and no action has ever been taken against the delinquents.
They also informed that the Punjab Bar being a regulatory body has enhanced the internal accountability system and disciplinary action has been taken against lawyers on account of misconduct but their appeals are still pending with disciplinary tribunals which are not effectively functioning.
Chief Justice Gulzar assured them that the matter will be taken with the concerned quarters.
They thanked the Chief Justice for sparing time for them and presented a souvenir as token of respect and gesture of goodwill. The Chief Justice of Pakistan expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the delegation.
