ISLAMABAD: Justice Athar Minallah on Saturday advised judges to followcode of conduct by Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) and it.

“If the Code of Conduct is observed by our judges, it can revolutionise our judiciary,” he said in a certificate-awarding ceremony held at the Federal Judicial Academy at the conclusion of a two-week Federal Judicial Education Programme (FJEP) in which Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan, was the chief guest.

According to a statement, Justice Athar Minallah emphasised the need for independent judges adding that “we must nurture and nourish independent-minded judges, judges with a mindset of judge, to ensure judicial independence.

He said, “A judge should be independent. A judge should always be conscious of the fact that he/ she is not subordinate to anyone. A judge should always follow the law and not be influenced by anyone. Only an independent- minded judge can ensure the right to a fair trial and only an independent judiciary can enjoy confidence and trust of public. We must train them in such a manner as they become independent–minded judges. Judges must be individually and institutionally independent. Without independent-minded judges, the independence of judiciary cannot be a reality.”

Lauding the content of the training course he said, “For me the most impressive part of the training is a wise selection of subjects such as Crypto-currency, Artificial Intelligence, among others, which are the need of the hour.”

He appreciated Mr Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Adviser, FJA, and his FJA team. He also awarded certificates to the trainees 30 additional district and sessions judges and 30 senior civil judges.

Earlier, DG of the Academy, Hayat Ali Shah said: “despite paucity of resources, but under the leadership of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, with an iron will and unflinching commitment of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, we have accomplished a few set goals.”

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2024