A breakfast in Karachi

The Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) organized a 'Dialogue with Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar' at the Marriott Karachi on Feb 24 morning in partnership with Pathfinder Group and Martin Dow Group. The large gathering of intellectuals and business elite early in the morning on a Sunday indicated their enthusiasm to listen to the former CJ airing his thoughts and views on some very important issues.
Welcoming the former CJ Dr Huma Baqai Secretary General KCFR emphasized the "Globalization and Wave 4.0" theme during this year's Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos that addressed many changes globally and in Pakistan, with particular reference to new technological disruption and new jobs. The member of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs highlighted how Davos came out with a narrative emphasizing 'capitalism with a conscience'. Stressing that boardroom decisions alone do not govern our activities she said that people like Justice Saqib Nisar are at the forefront of this shift. The vulnerable aspects of society need to be addressed by the next generation, with change the nexus of the elite would be broken.
The former CJ spoke about a number of issues confronting Pakistan, about the rule of law in ensuring accountability in our organisations, and for the prevention of white-collar crime. With the law of contracts the same as enacted in 1872, he asked, "Have we done anything for the creation of laws?" Saqib Nisar. If they were not delivering today, obviously there was a lapse. Laws have to be upgraded and attuned to the changing conditions". The greatest endeavour is the democratic formation of policy from across national opinions, thereafter a transparent and accurate implementation of these policies by elected officials was needed, Pakistan needed to strengthen its institutions. Accountability across institutions should be the cornerstone of governance in Pakistan and its sustainability into the future.
On this, topics very close to his heart, water shortages and water purity in Pakistan, the former CJ stressed that awareness on these issues otherwise the future would hold dire consequences. He emphasized the extremely vital nature of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam as a lifeline for the country, without water Pakistan could well turn into desert. Touching upon the issue of 'Right to Life' and the conditions that must be brought about for the poor to face under bad governance, he was pained that basic elements of life are not provided to all citizens, particularly those on the lower end of the economic scale. He said the core element of his mission and the mission for Pakistan is to instill the value of each fundamental human right into the system of governance. He touched upon population control, disparity of resources in relation to population, significance of provincial autonomy, the 18th Amendment, the jirga system, etc. Rejecting rumours that he planned to enter politics, he said he had taken steps to install a "free legal aid" setup for those who lack resources.
Chairman Dow Martin Group Ali Akhai remembered his father (late) Jawed Akhai holding such events at national and international level in partnership with Pathfinder Group. To keep on projecting the true and peaceful image of Pakistan, he promised to continue this legacy in letter and spirit. In my concluding remarks, I thanked former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar for gracing the occasion and reiterated the importance of projecting Pakistan's positive image not only by politicians but also the by the people. Sharing memories of the recently held annual gathering in Davos.
Representing Pakistan at very short notice, both the former CJ and the CM Balochistan Jam Kamal preferred economical accommodation in Davos, unheard of when our VIPs go abroad, illustrating their simplicity, modesty and the qualities lacking in many.
On his retirement on Jan 17 this year, Saqib Nisar stood head and shoulders above many because of his judgments and judicial activism. Penning down almost every development over genuine issues that went primarily to the benefit of the people, his many suo motu notices and judgments were a mirror of the man he was, a very patriotic Pakistan who felt for the poor and downtrodden masses. It is not surprising that the people of Pakistan across the broad spectrum hold him in such high esteem. His dynamism and activism has gained him many critics once he has retired. Not surprising given that this is usually how those lacking in honour, self-respect and courage act. Leaving behind a flourishing legacy touching the lives of millions with his ruling and verdicts, even in retirement Mian Saqib Nisar is still very much a man on a mission.
(The writer is a defence and security analyst)