Judges want rule of law in Pakistan, says CJP

• CJP Nisar says he’s fighting to rid society of injustice
• Says all NAB references will be decided by June

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday asserted all pending National Accountability (NAB) references will be decided by June this year, saying the judiciary wanted to establish the rule of law in the country.

Referring to the graft reference filed by NAB, including references filed against the Sharif family in line with the Panama Papers judgement, the chief justice said that he couldn’t give any specific time frame; however, they would be settled by June most likely.

In his address to the lawyers of the Islamabad High Court Bar, the chief justice said that there was a consensus across the country on establishing the rule of law in Pakistan and stressed that the judiciary did not want a confrontation with anyone.

“We are trying to provide the common man with his rights,” he said. “I am not fighting with anyone. We are fighting for those who are deprived of their rights and do not have the strength to demand them,” he added.

He said the long-prevailing period of injustice has finally come to an end with the efforts of lawyers’ activism.

The chief justice said that he would try to wrap up all references by June. He said that so far the Supreme Court has heard and decided 43 references.

He went on to say that the judiciary has been making efforts to ensure implementation of laws and provision of justice to the masses.

“Rule of law means equality of law for all,” he said.

Moreover, the chief justice said that he is very confident that the judiciary is performing very well, compared to a year ago.

“I’m fighting against the menace of society,”

Referring to a recent comment on television by someone who criticised his “I’m a fighter” remarks made in a judgment earlier, CJP Nisar clarified that he is fighting to rid society from the menace of injustice.

“We don’t have to engage in conflict with anyone,” he said, adding that their fight is with themselves.

Urging lawyers to reach the pinnacle of their profession, Justice Saqib Nisar said that he had promised to ensure that justice was upheld in Pakistan.

Before concluding his speech, the chief justice said that every individual is responsible for ensuring that his respect and dignity remains intact.

“Let me tell you that three things destroy the decision-making ability of a judge; personal interest, compromise and fear.”

Justice Saqib Nisar said that a judge should issue verdicts without fear, then only can the rule of law prevail in a country.

He said an ideal adjudicator should not be hesitant in making fair decisions. “A strong judicial system is imperative for society to prosper,” he added.

In the end, he cautioned lawyers against disturbing the peace or resorting to violence in his name.

“We have to bring about an end to social justices,” he said.