The Islamabad High Court chief justice, Justice Athar Minallah, said one could not claim with confidence that the judiciary was independent.
In a message issued in connection with the Independence Day, he added, “as the judicial branch of the state, we need to ask ourselves on this auspicious occasion whether the state has fulfilled its constitutional duty of ensuring inexpensive and expeditious justice to its citizens, whether the actual stakeholders — the people of Pakistan — have trust and confidence in the fairness, impartiality, accountability, responsiveness and independence of the judicial system,”
“I am afraid that the answer cannot be given in the affirmative with confidence. Lack of confidence of the people in the judicial system and erosion of the rule of law create an opportunity for repressive and tyrannical forces”, IHC chief justice further shared.
CJ judge considered the successive breakdown and betrayal of Quaid e Azam vision as the primary reason behind such mess.
The judge noted that our journey towards achieving a truly independent institution, adherence to the Constitution and maintenance of rule of law has remained chequered.
While stressing upon the need to give special attention to flag-hosting ceremonies, the IHC chief justice said flag-hoisting on the Independence Day must not be treated as a mundane ritual and must be taken as an opportunity for introspection.
