KARACHI: Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani has said that the war against terror cannot succeed unless there is cultural transformation and unless the people or the citizenry own it and extend their support.

Speaking at the oath taking ceremony of the members of the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) and a dinner reception hosted in his honour by the KBA here on Thursday, he said that the effort to fight intolerance has to begin at home, at school and in the college, as every citizen has a role to play in a democracy.

The chief justice said that laws are essential but not sufficient in countering intolerance, as it is rooted in ignorance, fear and an exaggerated sense of worth and pride. These notions creep in human mind at an early age, he added.

Justice Jillani said that the spirit and sacrifices made for the creation of this country and the vision of the founder of this country should always be kept in mind.

“When the Quaid talked of equality, of tolerance, of freedom and of social justice, he was not propagating an alien concept. These values are part of our faith, part of our Constitution which unfortunately are being flouted,” he added.

The chief justice said that he has spent some of his finest moments of adolescence and youth in Karachi.

“I remember the city for its spirit of tolerance, open-mindedness, graciousness, and generosity of the people at large. Life those days was peaceful, serene and relatively predictable.”

He lamented that all has changed and said that the “mafias, the evangelists and now the terrorists took hold of the city.”

Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani said that being the largest city and the economic hub of the country, the culprits have chosen this city to destabilise it socially, culturally and economically affecting the businesses and people at large across the country.

He said that the Supreme Court is cognizant of the situation and it will do its best to ensure that the rule of law is established.

The chief justice expressed his delight to know that the KBA among other good things is busy in designing courses for legal education.

“The quality of justice delivered partly depends on the quality of assistance rendered by the Bar which in turn greatly depends on the quality of legal education,” he added.

KBA President Salahuddin Ahmed also spoke. Justices of the Supreme Court and the Sindh High Court as well as members of the KBA were in attendance.