Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday pledged to act upon the Supreme Court decisions in letter and spirit, saying that deviation from the Constitution creates confrontation, so every institution must deliver as per law of the land, respecting each other's viewpoint. He was addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Complex where he donated Rs 200 million to the Association.
He said," Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto gave us the Constitution of 1973 to Pakistan and it is prime responsibility of his party to strengthen the institutions through this compendium." Gilani said before taking oath as PM, he ordered in his first speech in the House to seize confinement of superior judges forthwith though I had to take oath from the then dictator who was 'enemy' of the judges the next day.
The Prime Minster asserted that Benazir had given him responsibility to lead protest against emergency during her house arrest at Lahore and he raised voice against Musharraf tyranny, shoulder to shoulder with legal fraternity. Gilani declared legal fraternity as defence line against undemocratic forces saying that he inculcated democratic norms and rule of law among masses as it was part of PPP manifesto, terming democracy essential for cementing institutions which is only possible being in harmony with the Constitution.
He categorically said that serving the nation was not possible only through sitting on treasury benches, adding that even it could be done while a parliamentarian is in opposition but it is tied with the existence of parliament, connected with the performance of all the institutions to deliver under the prescribed limitation of Constriction.
SCBA president Asma Jahangir said that the complex will be a center of excellence for legal research, discussion and legal aid. She voiced the legal fraternity's concern over the rising level of crime across the country especially in Karachi, saying brutality and violence have paralysed our society. She added that a disturbing number of lawyers have been killed or kidnapped, pointing out that it is vital for political parties to keep themselves away from criminal elements.
Drawing attention of the Prime Minister towards recent spate of violence in Karachi, Asma maintained, "It is the prime responsibility of the government to enforce law and order." "At our end we also have to revisit the legal system so that it is strengthened and yet due process is guaranteed to the accused," Asma added.
She said woefully the attempt made by the government in "Actions (in aid of Civil Power) Regulation, 2011", which applies to Fata and Pata fall short of all standards of human rights and humanitarian law. Asma said that democracy can only survive if human dignity is upheld, adding that arbitrariness has no space in a democratic culture. Asma said former Law Minister Babar Awan donated Rs 40 million for SCBA Complex and assured that every single penny would be spent on the construction, purchase of land and consultancy fee for the building.
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