CJP for multi-pronged approach to deal with militancy, terrorism

Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khan Khosa has said that a multi-pronged approach is needed to defeat the scourge of militancy and terrorism in the country. He was speaking at the launch of research study on "Impact of Militancy on Administration of Justice in former FATA and PATA" held here at Federal Judicial Academy on Wednesday.

Enlightening the audience with the history of militancy and terrorism in different countries around the globe, the Chief Justice said, "Militancy is a form of terrorism and since time immemorial it has existed one in form or another in various parts of the world and civilians have been victims of terror acts. But the question is: how it was tackled in those troubled spots? What steps were taken by those countries and nations? We must have to learn from others who defeated terrorists. We need to rethink our strategies to deal with it in a more successful manner."

The Chief Justice of Pakistan also read out extracts from a judgement of Supreme Court of Pakistan in order to tackle the scourge of militancy and terrorism in an effective manner.

He also quoted a few inspiring lessons from a book titled, "21 Lessons for the 21st Century" by Yuval Noah Harari.

Regarding the importance and scope of research culture, the Chief Justice said, "Without research there is no progress, and with no progress there is no learning. It really augurs well that our judicial officers have undertaken research on a very important topic. This research will make them more analytical in their approach."

"Research should always be original. It should always be conducted on the area and also in close contact with the people who are subject matter of the research in question. It should not be academic and bookish," remarked the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

He hoped that this research would enhance the competency and professionalism of judges who have conducted it and a mechanism would be developed to push forward the suggestions and recommendations.

The Chief Justice also unveiled the publication comprising seven chapters.

Earlier, Director General of the Academy Hayat Ali Shah spoke about the background of establishment of Research Wing/ Research Centre at the Academy and partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross in the wake of its "Build, Support and Transfer (BST) Policy."

He lauded the role of the ICRC for providing the requisite intellectual and fiscal support and assistance to undertake this first ever research study in the Academy.

Members of Research Team- I, II and III who are young judicial officers, both male and female, from all over Pakistan also gave their representations, which were reviewed by the research scholars on the occasion.

This research was a collective effort of nine judicial officers hailing from all over Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir under the Research Cycle-1 in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during a span of six months.

Besides Justice Muhsir Alam, Judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan, judges of district judiciary Islamabad, scholars, the ICRC head of delegation and his team, and representatives of different national, international bodies and media attended this launch ceremony at the Academy.