February 18, 2006	Saturday	Muharram 19, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry on Wednesday spoke to barristers and solicitors in British city of Leeds and explained the functioning of Pakistan’s legal and judicial system.

According to a statement issued by Supreme Court secretariat here, the CJP expressed his pleasure that the UK- Pakistan Judicial Protocol on Child was working effectively in resolving custody disputes involving parents or families residing in the UK or Pakistan.

He said Family Courts that exercised jurisdiction under the ‘Guardian and Wards Act’ dealt with issues like custody and maintenance of child. He said under the law and practice, the courts, while settling custody matters, followed the principle of child welfare. “The welfare of child is a supreme consideration in deciding custody disputes between parents,” he maintained.

The CJP is heading a high-level judicial delegation, currently on an official visit to the UK.

The chief justice and members of his delegation had a meeting with Sir Mark Potter, president of Family Division of the High Courts of England and Wales. The president of Family Division welcomed the delegation and expressed the hope that their visit would further strengthen the judicial cooperation between the two countries. Issues and matters of common interest came under discussion on the occasion.

The CJP replied to a number of questions put to him by the members of the Law Society. He also had interaction with the British-Pakistani community leaders of Leeds.

In the evening, the chief justices of England and Wales hosted a dinner in the honour of the delegation, which was also attended by other Judges of the UK.