THIS refers to Rehan Khan Gilgiti’s article in ‘Dawn’ regarding the miseries of the people of Gilgit-Batistan. The government of Gilgit- Batistan has crossed all previous records of favouritism, especially in the appointment of teachers.

They did not even spare the judiciary wherein positions of judges are vacant in the Chief Court, as well as in the Supreme Appellate Court, of Gilgit Baltistan.

There are many candidates who are keen to serve in the apex court and have high qualifications and decades of standing at the Bar but they are not being considered by their superiors in the apex court.

It is interesting to point out that the law minister has himself shown an interest in these positions even though there are many candidates who deserve the position more than he does!

Owing to the apathy of the government, Gilgit Baltistan has been converted into a lawless jungle. Sectarian violence has gripped Gilgit into its folds and has put a dent on its social, educational and economic fabric. Fear and gloom prevail in the entire region.

There is a desperate need for a strong judiciary in order to eradicate the miseries of the people by taking suo motu action.

Maybe Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would like to do something about it. He should also take notice of the irregularity in the appointment of judges. He should take suo motu action and assign the task to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan for the appointment of judges on merit.

TAQDIR ALI KHAN Karachi