Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Asma Jahangir on Friday said lawyers “believe in the supremacy of constitution and rule of law instead of the supremacy of a particular institution or an individual”.
Addressing the general body of the Malir District Bar Association, she said lawyers would never compromise on the rule of law, as they gave immense sacrifices for an independent judiciary and for the supremacy of law.
She said incapable judges should be removed from their posts, as they failed to perform their duties well, adding that instead of their own interests, the judges should work for the rule of law.
The SCBA president said amendments should be brought in some controversial matters; however, lawyer bars should be taken on board in this regard and grievances of the bars should be removed by taking serious measures on a priority basis.
“The judiciary must be impartial and independent, and no restriction on the judiciary will be tolerated,” she said, adding that instead of dominance of the president or other individuals, supremacy of law was essential for the country.
Asma said, “We are always against incorrect decisions of parliament and will always be against their unfavourable steps, however, if parliament works in the approved manner and according to the will of the people, we will obviously appreciate it,” she said.
She said the appointment of the judges on ad hoc basis was a violation of the National Judiciary Policy and such judges should not be considered permanent members and should not be provided facilities equal to regular or permanent judges.
Asma said the shortage of judges was a serious issue and vacant posts must be filled with deserving, able, honest and senior lawyers.
The people of Pakistan are not benefiting from the success of the lawyers’ movement launched for the independence of the judiciary, she said, adding that lawyers had to do more, as the masses were still deprived of easy access to justice.
Reiterating the demand to arrest the culprits involved in the May 12, 2007, carnage and the April 9, 2008 killing of lawyers, she said despite an independent judiciary, culprits behind the bloodshed were still at large.