F.P. Report
LAHORE: The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday said that he and his fellow judges would step down if democracy is attacked and an attempt is made towards imposing martial law in the country.
“I have said earlier that I will resign from my office if any attempt of martial law is made, today, I am telling you that all 17 judges of the SC will leave with me if anyone attacks democracy,” the CJP said
Justice Nisar also said the judges of the country cannot even comprehend the idea of a judicial martial law as it does not exist in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Lamenting that the vision of Pakistan had shattered, the top judge said, addressing an event honouring Allama Iqbal, that had Quaid-e-Azam been alive today, the conditions of the country would have been significantly different
“How unlucky are those who don’t have a land of their own?” he questioned.
“Your judiciary is totally independent. As the father of the institution, I promise you to not come under anyone’s pressure. I am astonished to see media personnel talking about martial law. Who will impose martial law?” he questioned, adding that Jinnah only advocated democracy. “We can’t even comprehend the idea of judicial martial law, it does not exist in the Constitution.”
Expressing displeasure over the state of education, Justice Nisar said, “Education is of prime importance to me. The world has Oxford University, and here we see 80 kanal area of Punjab University being handed over to the government for a grid station.” The CJP said that right to education is essential and should be given to everyone.
“It is the right of my nation to demand education. Health is important for life,” said the chief justice.
The top judge then stated that the state of hospitals in K-P and Punjab is unsatisfactory. “There are no ultrasound machines in hospitals, no female staff in K-P for an ultrasound. The hospitals do not have CCU wards,” added Justice Nisar, adding that these are fundamental rights and should be provided to the citizens according to the Constitution.
The top judge also added that the judiciary will fight for people’s rights and the two most important elements of a progressive nation are leaders and education. “I am in contact with all institutions and courts and we are reviewing progress,” he said further.
The chief justice further stated that people turn to courts when oppressed and there are several cases pending. He also said that cases can’t be dealt with so fast because of multiple factors. “Justice needs to come from our mind and not from computers,” he added.
“Transfer of property, the law of accusation, and other laws are outdated, swift justice is expected with outdated laws. We deal with ordinary cases and then are alleged for not taking cases regarding these issues. I am the CJP of the masses and of the state,” he added.
