This refers to media report that CJP Anwar Zaheer Jamali has said “Martial laws have left Pakistani society in a shambles.”Indeed, repeated martial laws have not only hampered democracy in the country but have also kept its people away from accepting democratic norms. I partially agree with the opinion of honorable CJP as unfortunately the judiciary is also responsible to strengthen the martial laws in the country.
Pakistan has witnessed three decades of direct military rule since its independence in 1947 and each time legitimized by the courts under the doctrine of necessity. Justice Muhammad Munir validated the dissolution of first constituent Assembly of Pakistan on October,1954.Justice Anwar-ul-Haq legitimatized the military coup of Gen Zia-Ul-Haq in July 1977. Every one knows in 1999 the Pervaiz Musharf overthrew the elected prime minister Nawaz Sharif. On 12 May 2000, the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared the coup to be legal and justified.
ENGR. MANSOOR AHMED,
Faisalabad, March 20.