Don't malign the judiciary if the verdict is against you: CJP hits out at critics

Published December 16, 2017
Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar addresses a seminar in Lahore.—DawnNews
Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar addresses a seminar in Lahore.—DawnNews

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday hit out at the people criticising the judiciary for issuing judgements that they deemed "unfavourable".

Addressing a seminar in Lahore, Justice Nisar said the perception that the judiciary has become a part of a bigger plan or design needs to end.

Referring to the judiciary using the analogy of a baba (village elder), he said: "The judiciary is your baba [...] do not doubt its integrity."

Without mentioning any names, he said, "If a decision is issued against you, don't abuse [the judiciary] by saying the baba has become a part of a design or a grand plan."

"The baba has not and will not become a part [of a plan]."

The chief justice said those against whom a judgement has been issued have the right to criticise the reason behind the verdict, but he questioned the insinuations of the "judiciary being part of a plan" or "being under pressure".

He said that no one dictated the court on what line to take in deciding a case.

Justice Nisar said he wasn't aware that the verdict in the Hudaibya Paper Mills reference appeal would also be announced on Friday — the same day that a SC bench, led by the chief justice, issued the judgement in the Imran Khan and Jahangir Tareen disqualification cases.

He said that the judgements on the petitions against Khan and Tareen were announced on Friday because he has a "passion" to issue verdicts within a month.

"If someone had been able to dictate [the judges], the Hudaibya judgement would not have turned out the way it did," he pointed out.

"All the judges are independent and can take their own decisions."

Referring to the "analysis on TV channels in the evenings", he said that the perception that there was some kind of division within the Supreme Court was false.

He acknowledged the delay in the judicial process, saying some "not very competent judges" are responsible for the delay, multiplication of litigation and expensive litigation in cases. An efficient training programme is necessary for judges, he concluded.

Stressing on the importance of democracy, Justice Nisar said that the judiciary has vowed to protect the Constitution and would continue to uphold democracy.

Justice Nisar said he will get a chance to listen to the underprivileged plaintiffs of the country once the "political dirt gets cleaned by laundry of the Supreme Court".

The judiciary and lawyers will have to make joint efforts to provide cheap justice to the common man, he added.

Opinion

Editorial

Agriculture concerns
24 Jun, 2025

Agriculture concerns

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif appears relieved that the IMF did not turn down Pakistan’s request to exempt...
OIC reaction
24 Jun, 2025

OIC reaction

THE OIC has, over the decades, been known to issue strong statements and not do much else when it comes to critical...
NEVs, but for whom?
24 Jun, 2025

NEVs, but for whom?

THE government’s policy gymnastics following Pakistan’s unexpectedly rapid adoption of rooftop solar have ...
US aggression
Updated 23 Jun, 2025

US aggression

If there is any state in the world that the international community must be concerned about harbouring weapons of mass destruction, it is Israel.
Finishing the job
23 Jun, 2025

Finishing the job

THE federal health minister’s assertion of a 99pc reduction in polio cases in Pakistan, while impressive on the...
Exam leaks
23 Jun, 2025

Exam leaks

FOR students who put in countless hours of hard work for their secondary school exams — mainly to secure admission...