RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar said that the Supreme Court (SC) is an independent institution which does not bother ‘what people say’ about it.

While addressing a seminar held by the Lahore High Court Bar Association on Saturday, Chief Justice said, “Judiciary is independent and everyone should be proud of it.” They will ensure rule of law in the country and would not let democracy cripple, said the CJ.

Rule of law and constitution will be supreme in the country and no one would be allowed to derail the democratic process. Judiciary would play the role of watchdog and help to cull the anarchy and unrest in the country.

He said the country needed an honest leadership, and strong educational and judicial system to change the fate of people.

“Unfortunately, the country is facing huge problems but we should not get panicked and face such challenges together. Challenges do come in the life of a nation but a fair and honest leadership steers it through difficult time,” the CJP said.

“As long as the state is becoming powerful, the infringement of people’s rights is also growing, however, the judiciary is playing its constitutional role to protect their rights,” he opined.

The CJP dismissed undue criticism and said that the Supreme Court is incomplete without Justice Asif Saeed Khosa. “We will not lose temper and keep demonstrating tolerance and perseverance against all negative criticism.”

The Chief Justice humbly noted that Justice Asif Saeed Khosa is an important member of his bench, and he considers himself less capable as compared to his colleagues.

He appealed to lawyers to cooperate with him and termed the bar and the bench as indispensable for each other’s integrity. He said it is the duty of judiciary to eliminate discord and provide justice as a duty, not as a favour. “We have to dispense justice with patience and perseverance. We are answerable for the work we do here. If judges cannot dispense what is required of them and give justice according to law, then they should retire,” he said. “The judges have no right to make decisions based on their own likes and dislikes as they are bound by law to make independent decisions,” the CJ stated.