Rule of law, the only solution to problems: CJ

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary has said the rule of law is the only solution to all social and economic problems.
Addressing the new judicial year ceremony 2012 held at the Supreme Court building and attended by the members of the bench and the bar, Chief Justice of Pakistan said such a society be established where there is no one above the law.
CJP Iftikhar Chaudhary emphasized attention is needed for a better understanding of problems confronting the system of delivery in justice that are threatening rule of law in the country.
About the role of executive in implementation of laws, he said all the authorities and institutions, including executive and the legislature; have to render support and cooperation in the execution of the judicial process.
The principle of trichotomy of powers embedded in the provisions of the Constitution aims at creating an atmosphere of harmony and collaboration among all the State institutions in order to achieve the goal of fair dispensation of justice, he said.
“The judicial activism on the part of apex Court has not only improved the judicial system as a whole, but has also enhanced public trust and confidence in the institution,” he noted.
Corruption is a great menace, which is required to be dealt with iron hands, he informed and added that a Cell for Eradication of Corruption from Judiciary has been established under the supervision of Chief Justices of High Courts for disciplinary action against corrupt and incompetent judicial officers and court officials.
Stressing upon the role of judges in the political stability, CJP Iftikhar Chaudhary said the Judges are required to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution of Pakistan.
He said that the obligation of protecting and defending the Constitution is cast on all government/public office holders and elective office holders in the national interest.
He stated that the success of the Judicial Policy might be gauged from the fact that by the grace of Allah until 31 December, 2010, the figure of cases lying pending in the superior as well as district courts was successfully reduced from 1.75 million to about 1.35 million cases, despite institution of more than 3.2 million new cases.
Attaching importance to the Islamic values regarding dispensation of justice, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary said Islam commands to do adal to everyone.
“Doing adal is something more than doing justice. It is doing justice with mercy and compassion. It is close to the fear of Allah Almighty,” he maintained.
He applauded the role of the bar as well as the litigant public in provision of speedy justice.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justices and Judges of the High Courts and the judges of the District judiciary as well as the support staff working with them for efficiently and competently executing the Judicial Policy.
In the end, he thanked all the participants for their participation.