LAHORE: Human rights activist and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) presidential candidate Asma Jahangir in an interview before the SCBA elections to Pakistan Today declared the agenda of her candidature.
Do you think you have enough support for winning the election?
I have struggled hard for the rule of law, democracy and human rights in the country and have won the support of a large number of lawyers from all political parties. I will continue to strive for the rule of law, supremacy of constitution, the independence of institutions and the welfare of the entire legal community and I have full hope that the legal community is with me.
Do you think party politics are playing a part in the elections?
I do not believe in divisions among lawyers on the basis of political affiliations. Bringing political parties to the bar elections hampers the lawyers’ unity and I believe lawyers should not indulge in party politics beyond a limit.
How do you think the bench and bar can resolve their issues?
The bar and bench can resolve issues by keeping a reasonable distance between them to maintain an element of respect and avoid any confrontation on petty issues. Healthy relations between the bar and bench are necessary for the dispensation of justice.
What about allegations of you getting political backing?
Neither I have any political backing nor I believe in getting support of any political party for the bar elections. The bar should not be used for party politics as it is a platform for lawyers only. They should elect their representatives on a non- party basis. The allegations that I had been nominated by Law Minister Babar Awan or President Asif Ali Zardari for the SCBA elections are baseless. Lawyers are aware of the sacrifices I have made and they would not listen to the baseless allegations and shall vote for me in the elections on October 27.
What is your election manifesto?
I am not going to make any superfluous claims like my rival candidates but one thing is clear that I will do my best for the welfare of lawyers especially senior lawyers who are not able to work due to falling heath and age factor. We plan to establish a research complex for lawyers, which will also serve as a community centre for them.
‘Fight for rule of law will continue’
