Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has said that democracy in its pure form alone can provide the sound nationhood, stability and sustained growth. He was addressing the inaugural session of the 4-day International Judicial Conference under the aegis of Supreme Court of Pakistan, here on Friday.
The Chief Justice said that "strict adherence to the undisputed norms of law are the undeniable hallmarks of any civilised society which must be observed even in war against terrorism, for injustice gives rise to frustration, hate, vengeance and at a higher level to violence and anarchy. He emphasised, "inhuman and degrading treatment paints the picture of barbarism."
Justice Iftikhar called upon the international legal community to make collaborative efforts to evolving a methodology and modus operandi so that the common noble goal of "Justice to All" without any favour or prejudice is achieved.
He said that since the rise and fall of nations is linked to their level of justice, therefore there are great expectations linked with the courts who must offer an easy access to justice for all, ensuring justice fairly and impartially but expeditiously."The rights and interests of the poor, the indigent and the ignorant have got to be safeguarded and secured; grievances and complaints have to be addressed and resolved, they have to be assured that they are equal members of the society and the State does own their cause and protect their interests equally" he added.
The Chief Justice said "the peace and security for all is very essential for economic growth, social development, educational and technological advancement and ultimately the prosperity of the people."
"This is how the courts will win the confidence of people at large. This is how they may achieve legitimacy and the only way out is to contribute to the objectives of good governance," he remarked.
The Chief Justice said that the world has witnessed a change on the geopolitical horizons and seen the emergence of terrorism, and we as a nation have been a victim of it. "History shall stand a witness to our role which we have played in curbing terrorism as a global partner in the war against terrorism although we had to pay heavy price for our much desired role."
He said, "We must attend to the causes of terrorism at the root level which we are all aware of, therefore instead of putting a blanket over the fire, we must open our hearts and try hard to solve the international conflicts at all levels, be they political, geographical or socio-economic without taking into account the caste and creed."
"Our whims and ideas must be put aside and we must ponder over the burning issues with a human and prudent mind and for that we have to have a heart. Violence pitched against violence shall only ignite a volcano."
Justice Iftikhar said that this year the Supreme Court celebrates the half centenary of its existence having braved the vicissitudes of time and tide, eyeing the social, economic and political upheavals albeit delivering landmark judgements marked with vehement applause but at times a few of them attracted intense criticism.
He said whenever there was a constitutional breakdown or political upheaval in Pakistan, the Supreme Court was called upon to decide the vires of Constitution, nevertheless a theme has always tickled down to the ground reality reflecting upon the Court's intention and its sincere endeavour thereof, to steer the country back to its democratic norms and constitutional obligations.
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