Chief Justice slams solidarity campaign

lahore — Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has brushed aside the ongoing “solidarity campaign for the judiciary by certain political quarters” saying he would not allow anyone to politicise the institution.

Without naming any political party, he said a new trend of doing romance with the Supreme Court had popped up in the country but “we are independent and do not need any support from anyone except lawyers.”

Addressing a ceremony organised by the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) here, the CJ said that the judiciary was independent and that’s why it is respected. The CJ said that he saw some posters displaying pictures of judges, including his own, but such a practice would not be allowed. “We want to work independently and will do it as it is a part of our duty,” he added.

He said that the bench and the bar were like twin brothers who took birth on the same day, adding, “The relationship between the two is based on love and respect and it is our duty to deepen it.”

He said that the Lahore bar always remained a protector of judiciary and always extended its support. Now it was time to return the same to the bar by elevating the professional and educated lawyers to the bench, he added.

He said that the Lahore High Court (LHC) chief justice did forward some names for elevation. “I ask him to reconsider and forward the names after consultation with the bar,” he said, adding that all those recommended would be interviewed. The CJ said that he considered enforcement of fundamental rights as his duty and these rights should be enforced at all costs. “We are compelled to take action as the state omissions had increased,” he added.

Responding to various demands by the bar, the CJ assured his full cooperation and said that his doors were always open for the purpose. He also asked the LHC Chief Justice Mohammed Yawar Ali to take the LHCBA on board for resolution of problems regarding the court’s IT system. —

We want to work independently and will do it as it is a part of our duty

The bench and the bar were like twin brothers who took birth on the same day. The relationship between the two is based on love and respect and it is our duty to deepen it Saqib Nisar, Chief Justice of Pakistan