May 06, 2007	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 18, 1428

LAHORE, May 5: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Saturday said certain elements wanted to get a decision of their own choice on the presidential reference against the chief justice of Pakistan but the government would protect dignity of the judiciary.

Talking to reporters after attending a function here in the Defence Housing Authority, he said certain lawyers were indulging in politics instead of presenting their view on a constitutional matter while following ethics of their profession.

The chief minister said protection of law was the professional responsibility of lawyers and efforts on their part to take law into their hands were regrettable. The main aim of the activities of certain elements was to get a decision of their choice on the reference.

He said the prime minister had sent the reference to the president with all the required evidence. The Supreme Judicial Council was hearing the reference and everyone must accept its decision. “Every profession has its own sanctity, and those attached to it must adopt a conduct accordingly,” he said.

The chief minister said the federal government too had suggested to Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to adopt an alternate route to Lahore in view of the suicide bomb attack on Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao. Nevertheless, the government would fulfil all its responsibilities with regard to the provision of security (to him), he said, adding foolproof security arrangements had been made for his caravan.

Replying to a question regarding the stay of the chief justice of Pakistan in the chief minister’s hometown Gujrat, he said he (the chief justice) could go anywhere. Gujrat was a city of Pakistan and the government would give him full security if he went there, he said.

Meanwhile, speaking at the function, the chief minister said the provincial government was developing historical monuments for promoting tourism industry and providing tourism facilities to citizens. International marathon was being regularly arranged in Lahore and it had promoted tourism, sports and recreational activities.

He said the government was expanding the scope of local and foreign investment with a commitment. The World Bank funded Rs 6 billion project had been launched to restore the Walled City in its original form.

Under the project the three-kilometre Shahi Passage was being restored. The work included construction of hotels and establishment of gardens along the route.

Lahore Nazim Mian Amer Mehmood also spoke on the occasion.