Press Release
APL welcomed Lord Justice Mr. Tassaduq
Hussain Jillani taking oath as 21st Chief Justice of Pakistan
London: Association of
Pakistani Lawyers (APL) along with fellow Barristers, Solicitors and judges of
the Supreme Court of England and Wales
of Pakistani origin has congratulated the 21st
Chief Justice on assuming charge of his office
on 12/12/2013.
APL chair Barrister
Amjad Malik said in his welcoming remarks, that
“your role is
crucial at this juncture for rule of law, justice and constitutionalism in
Pakistan” . He further said, “ You are taking charge when a popular judge
leaves after a thorny reign full of trials and tribulations and it becomes
imperative to continue the legacy he has left, as well as return the calmness
for which judiciary is renowned”.
APL has considered General (Retd)
Pervaiz Musharraf’s attendance before a court of law in Pakistan which establishes
a principle that no one is above the law a historic event and a fair trial becomes his right and State’s
duty and judiciary’s immediate primary test.
APL highlighted that the ‘missing
persons’ cases requires a pro active legislation as post 9/11 western countries
enshrined in their law to hold subjects in a legalised detention with reviews
and secret trials with necessary protections through Attorney General’s office
( i.e in UK SIAC Act 1997).
APL commented on public interest
litigation which opened a venue of hope, access and voice of many millions who
remained voiceless for years of subjugation, slavery and usurpation. This
initiative must be given sanctity, permanency and institutional guarantee in
the days to come drawing new guidelines & parameters so that this good
initiative do not fall victim of lack of interest, funds, shortage of judges or
a mindset which never encouraged the idea of promoting a voice to the masses.
APL
drew Chief Justice’s attention towards overseas Pakistanis vote &
representation issue and requested that the dual nationals enjoy the privilege of dual
nationality on account of bilateral agreements and legislation in good faith. Parity requires
that Superior Court through law and justice commission facilitate the removal
of such difference between the constitution and law which is affecting those
abroad to have their say in national matters of general importance.
APL confirmed that it supported the
judiciary throughout the hey days post 9 March 2007 and post traumatic ordeal
after the 3 November 2007 emergency. This support was offered as the Superior Judiciary is a beacon of light
to safeguard the democratic norms & constitutionalism and rule of law. Apex
Court has the potential and capacity to be the true arbitrator to ensure fair
play and justice amongst institutions and the lives of common men and women of
the state . APL asserted that SC continues to ensure the prevalence of the
constitution in the state, the writ of law and rule of law and justice for all
at sundry in the society and the Principe of equality and justice for all and
impunity for none. ‘No one is above the law’ can only be ensured by the Apex
body in any state modern, conservative liberal or Islamic.
In this regard APL wholeheartedly offered
its unstinted support for the cause of rule of law, justice and
constitutionalism in Pakistan, and prayed that Chief Justice will come up to the task in hand and meet the expectations of millions around.
APL team was rejoiced that on 14 July
2013 its executive members had a
fruitful interaction with the Judge at Manchester where APL honoured the Lord
Justice “In
recognition of his services towards rule of law, justice and constitutionalism
in Pakistan, particularly for refusing to take oath under Provisional
Constitutional Order (PCO ) promulgated by then Military Dictator in November
2007 further contributing towards the rule of law drive post 9 March 2007”.
APL
team invited the Chief Justice again and hoped that this facilitation continues
for the greater good in future too.
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