LAHORE, March 22: The Supreme Court of Pakistan completes its 50 years of existence on March 23, 2006, (today) which is a day of national importance. The Supreme Court is the apex body in the judicial hierarchy of Pakistan. It is the final arbiter of law and the constitution, and has a unique responsibility of maintaining harmony between the three state pillars —- legislature, executive and judiciary.

Fifty years in the life of an institution is enough to take stock as past role and performance, with a view to designing and charting out an appropriate course for the future. The apex court has, therefore, planned to celebrate its golden jubilee in the year 2006, in a manner befitting its dignity by holding local events, national conference and an international workshop.

In this connection a ceremony of affixation of plaque bearing the names of the chief justice and judges, who had presided the first session of the Supreme Court will be held in the Lahore High Court building on March 23, 2006.

On March 24, 2006, (Friday) a Supreme Court golden jubilee national judicial conference will be held at the Pearl Continental Hotel at 4pm which will be presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

Speakers of the judicial conference include former chief justice of Pakistan, Mr J Muhammad Haleem and attorney-general for Pakistan Makhdoom Ali Khan. The speakers will highlight the history and valuable performance of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

On the Golden jubilee of the Supreme Court, two commemorative postage stamps of Rs4 and 15 denomination are being issued by Pakistan post office on March 23, 2006.—PR