While marking the advent of new judicial year on Monday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Anwar Zaheer Jamali expressed concern over the present spate of terrorism in the country saying unfortunately local elements of some political parties provide cushion to foreign militants to carry out their nefarious designs. Addressing the ceremony, Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali asked the authorities to eliminate the miscreants in religious and political parties, adding the present condition of intolerant society on grounds of colour and religion worsens law and order situation and terrorism in the country.
Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali said, "It would be the responsibility of the individual and institutions to address the menace of persecution and intolerance in the society in order to promote harmony for stability and progress in Pakistan". Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali emphasised on all the institutions of the country to deliver in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan which he said has marked their limitations.
"It is time to move forward keeping the impacts of changing social and economic situation of the country so all the institutions should develop a mutual consensus to cope with the challenges facing the country," the Chief Justice said. Underscoring the need of careful exercise of the suo motu power under the Article 184 (3), the Chief Justice categorically mentioned the past practice which he said attracted criticism to judiciary for intervention in the executive power.
However, he made it clear the apex court cannot shut its eyes over any violation of fundamental rights because it is mandatory for the courts to intervene and to ensure protection of people's fundamental rights. Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali said that during the last year, in the larger interest of the public, the court took suo motu notices on important matters including illegal appointments made in the top anti-graft body, Health Department of government of Sindh, the Margalla Hills stone crushing, poor condition of hospitals in Quetta,, delay in holding census in the country, delay in the appointments of members of the Election Commission of Pakistan, appointments of police officials in FIA on deputation, sale of illegal transplant of human organs, kidnapping of children in the province of Punjab and the recent Quetta bomb blast. Attorney General for Pakistan Ashter Ausaf, President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Barrister Ali Zafar and Vice Chairman Pakistan Bar Council Senator Dr Faroogh Nasim also spoke on the occasion.