Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saiduzzaman Siddiqui has said that the sanctification of Legal Framework Order (LFO) by the elected parliament has not only opened the door for permanent role of armed forces in the government but it is likely to politicise the institution of army.
While addressing a seminar arranged by Pakistan Lawyers Foundation (PLF) here on Saturday, Siddiqui said judiciary which could act as a bulwark against unconstitutional moves compromised its portion by finding refuge in the much maligned "doctrine of necessity" and legitimised act of every usurper.
'Seeking resolution of political issues through courts by the politicians proved a burden on the dwindling structure of judiciary further weakening the credibility of the institution in the eyes of the common man. While judges of the superior courts failed to abide by their oath to defend the preserve the constitution, the political leaders too failed to evolve a common strategy to confront the undemocratic forces and opted for the easy course to collaborate with them', he said.
He said in Pakistan the infiltration of Army in civilian affairs is massive and virtually it has overtaken every civilian aspect of the life. Father of the Nation was aware of this threat and therefore, did not leave the role of our armed forces in the national affairs undefined, he added.
Quaid-e-Azam and Liaqat Ali Khan and those who succeeded them lacked political vision and stature as a national leader opening the door for undemocratic forces waiting in the wings to dislodge the democratic dispensation in the country and pave the way for the totalitarian rule. The events of the past 60 years unfolded the weaknesses of our political system. Absence of tolerance and respect for right to dissent the two essential attributes of democracy, has made our political system vulnerable to conspiracies resulting in the overthrowing of elected governments by undemocratic forces. The country remained under totalitarian and despotic rule for more than half the period of its existence, he added.
Among others President PLF A. Karim Malik, Malik Qayyum, Israrul Haq Mian, Malik Saeed Hassan, Nasir Iqbal and others also spoke on the occasion.