ISLAMABAD - Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar Thursday stressed the need for rule of law as the county’s survival was linked to it.
Addressing the Islamabad High Court Bar Association members, the chief justice said supremacy of law should prevail in the country, adding the rule of law meant equal application of the law to all.
Justice Nisar said four major factors – education, visionary leadership with integrity and wisdom, the rule of law and a strong judicial system – were common in the developed nations.
He said they were striving to provide the people with speedy and inexpensive justice. He lauded the passion and fighting spirit of lawyers. However, he made it clear that they neither intended to wage a war against anyone nor did they want to have confrontation with anyone.
“Rather, we are fighting for those who are deprived of their rights and do not have the strength to demand their rights,” he said. The chief justice said he was very confident that the judiciary was performing well as compared to a year ago.
He urged the lawyers to work hard with honesty and integrity so that they could serve the masses and reach the pinnacle of their profession. He said they should promise to ensure that justice was upheld in Pakistan. Referring to a recent comment on television by someone who criticised him for saying “I am a fighter.” Justice Nisar clarified he was fighting against the menace in the society. “I am not fighting against anybody. I have taken the oath to do justice and justice should be done according to the law.”
In response to a demand from the lawyers, the chief justice affirmed he would try to wrap up all references by June. He said the Supreme Court had so far heard and decided 43 references against the judges. The chief justice said every individual judge was responsible to ensure that his respect and dignity remained intact. “Let me tell you that three things destroy the decision-making ability of a judge – personal interest, compromise and fear,” he said. Justice Nisar said a judge should give verdicts without fear. Only then the rule of law would prevail in the country, he added. At the same time, he cautioned the lawyers against disturbing peace or resorting to violence in his name. “We have to bring about an end to social injustices,” he said.
SHAHID RAO