In the prevailing circumstances particularly, though even otherwise, whatever remarks and observations are made by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, these matter very much and carry considerable weight, indeed.
Reports said that Ch Shujaat Hussain along with party’s Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayyid had appeared before the Supreme Court during the hearing of a constitutional petition regarding election expenses and reforms. The apex court had asked all political parties to appear but, as the reports mentioned, PML (Q) was the only party whose top leadership was present there.
As per the reports, the CJP appreciated the presence of Ch Shujaat Hussain and Mushahid Hussain Sayyid and remarked with a smile that they knew Ch Shujaat Hussain, his sentences were very brisk and comprehensive and he says big things in short and nice manner. This is not all. The CJP went on to remark further that Ch Shujaat Hussain possessed strong nerves and was always working for strengthening of institutions.
This is indeed a big tribute paid by the CJP to a seasoned politician whose respect for rule of law and the regard for judiciary have thus been duly recognised and appreciated in these few words.
Like some other parties who had opted to send their lawyers to represent them in the apex court of the country, the PML(Q) top leadership could also do that to honour the obligation. But the PML(Q) president and the secretary preferred to appear themselves in person in response to the direction of the Supreme Court.
ABDUL SAMAD KHWAJA
Karachi
