99th National Management Course: 'strong institutions provide bedrock to set up everlasting mechanism'

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhry on Monday observed that gone are the days when stability and security of the country was defined solely in terms of number of missiles and tanks, as a manifestation of coercive hard power at the disposal of the state. Addressing the 99th National Management Course, the CJP said that strong institutions provide the bedrock for building everlasting mechanism and sustaining socio-economic, political and cultural growth and development.
"Today, the concept of national security has been redefined as a polity wherein a state is also bound to provide its citizens social security, create welfare nets and protect their fundamental rights and freedom. To do so, the executive branch of the country, ably assisted by professionally trained civil service can provide much conducive environment where the government could execute its development plans, so that the vast majority of people are able to make progress in various disciplines of their choices"
The CJP has also stressed that to establish and run national institutions, a qualified, well-trained, inspired and dedicated bureaucracy, which has the capacity and necessary means to anticipate the mounting socio-economic challenges and come up with workable solutions both in the short and long-run.
"You are aware that nowadays, the courts are seized with many issues related to enforcement of constitutional provisions, be it the issue of law and order situation in Karachi or Balochistan, the failure of implementation framework or any other footprint of ill-governance, maladministration, etc. There seems to be no cohesive effort in terms of a national framework wherein the mega issues are addressed in an appropriate manner. This institutional failure is directly linked to the ability of the civil servants to formulate national policies in the field of public policy. It also indicates the failure of implementation in cases where some forms of policy measures are recommended", he added.
The chief justice said this judiciary has been trying to rewrite the constitutional and political history of this country by not only atoning sins of the past but also setting up new precedents ensuring transparency, rule of law and enforcement of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution. Many landmark judgements have been handed down wherein State agencies have been directed to abide by the Constitution and the law, keep within their limits and let the system work and grow.
"For any developing country like Pakistan the basic requirements for enhancing national growth through competitiveness are pegged on the four pillars, ie, (i) strengthening of institutions, (ii) infrastructure development, (iii) economic growth and (iv) advancement in health and educational fields. These four pillars form the foundation for achieving competitiveness for ensuring socio-economic growth of our country. And these four drivers of growth can only deliver if you as civil servants put them to good use", he also added.
The chief justice said that the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 envisages in detail many fundamental rights to the citizens of the country. These rights, inter alia, include right of individual to be dealt with in accordance with law; security of person; safeguard as to arrest and detention; right to fair trial; inviolability of dignity of man; freedom of movement; assembly, association; trade; business or profession; speech, information; freedom to profess the religion; protection of property rights; equality of citizens; right of education; safeguard against discrimination in service and last but not the least the promotion of social and economic well being of the people.
He said that a public servant as a functionary of the state must be a beacon of light for the rest of the community. In discharge of their duties and performance of functions, they should not be moved by considerations of nationality, sectarianism, ethnic, social or political background.
"The gist of the message of our great Quaid was that the bureaucracy is one institution which is characterised by continuity. Therefore, you are doubly responsible for not only sharing your future vision and implementation plan with your political bosses but also ensuring that these plans are put into action without fear or favour. As professionals in the art of public policy and service delivery, it is your responsibility to inform the people and leadership about the requirements of national competitiveness and growth, give them hope and not despair, give them trust and not fear. Each one of you has to make a contribution to lift the spirit of the people you serve. And that you can do only if you can create and deliver public value and only if you are driven by inner passion and faith in the state of Pakistan with a commitment to serve your country."-PR