Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday said a long-term solution to the Karachi problem lay in political dialogue, but terrorists and gangsters could not be allowed to play havoc with the lives of innocent people of the country’s economic powerhouse.
Addressing the foundation stone laying-ceremony of the Supreme Court Bar Association building at the apex court auditorium, the PM hoped the government would be able to foil the designs of nefarious elements and bring the perpetrators of Karachi violence to justice with the cooperation of all political forces and the people of the city.
He said the situation in Karachi posed serious threat to the law and order in the metropolis and had serious implications for the economy. “These are the troubling days for the entire country.
The immediate dangers to our national security emanate from the internal factors. I want to assure you that the government is alive to the situation and is doing everything possible to bring the situation back to normal. The provincial cabinet, in a recent meeting chaired by me, has ordered across-the-board action against miscreants. The federal government fully endorses the steps taken by the government of Sindh and assures it of its complete cooperation. The solution to Pakistan’s chronic problems, I believe, lies in collective political wisdom,” he said, adding that precious lives of lawyers had also been a target of the violence.
“I would like to invite the legal fraternity to present well researched recommendations for changes in the law and its procedure so that we can together strengthen the criminal legal system. Lawyers play a key role in protecting the rights of the accused and the victims. They are most aware of the flaws within the system, which fails to convict those who have committed crimes. Where such failures become the rule, rather than an exception, crime thrives and justice is denied to victims,” he added.
He said that in the face of severe threats, very few individuals would have the courage to give evidence, but alternative forms of evidence in nature of availability of modern devices and providing unimpeachable circumstantial evidence, could be made admissible in courts.
“Together, we have to lay strong legal foundations to challenge the curse of violence that is threatening our social, economic and political development. The legal fraternity has always played an active and intellectual role in founding and building the nation. During these difficult times, there are heightened expectations from you to make the legal system of the country effective and relevant to the ordinary person. The facilities that you are building for your bar can greatly assist you in systematically offering valuable services to the people of this country,” he asserted.
Towards the end of his speech, the prime minister spoke extempore and said the government respected the judiciary and its decisions.
“There will be no confrontation between state institutions if the constitution is followed and institutions do not cross into each other’s ambit. However, if the constitution is violated, it would lead to confrontation. We should respect and create space for each other,” he maintained.
On the occasion, the prime minister announced a grant of Rs 200 million for the SCBA Complex.
In her welcome speech, SCBA President Asma Jahangir said a sombre inauguration was arranged due to the prevailing tense atmosphere.
“This apex bar has already played a leading role in uprooting the firm grip of a dictator and in upholding the principle that the judiciary should be allowed to work independently. Our role has been historic but we cannot claim to be placed on a pedestal. We too have our weaknesses and failings. We have fallen short of contributing more vigorously towards continuing legal education, research and commentary on key judgments,” she said.
