KARACHI, March 30: The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said on Friday that the suspension of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Chaudhry, by the executive and his subsequent treatment are to be deeply regretted.

In a statement issued through the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Sam Okudzeto, Chair Advisory Committee, said the CHRI considered “this to be an unacceptable breach of judicial independence.”

“Justice Chaudhry is well known for his strong stance on human rights and for delivering a number of decisions that have been in conflict with government interests,” said the statement.

He said the suspension order was contrary to the Commonwealth’s Lattimer House Principles of separation of powers and represents an attack on independence of judiciary. “As a member of the Commonwealth, Pakistan has committed itself to these principles. The order violates Pakistan’s own Constitution, laws and procedures. It demonstrates disrespect for judiciary and is contrary to the expectations of the people who have a right to expect that due process will be followed by all,” said the statement.

The CHRI urged the Pakistan government to withdraw all actions taken “in contravention of the Constitution, law and procedural mandates of the country and ensure that all actions are transparent and in strict accordance with the law.” To remove any doubt about the legality and fairness of the procedure created by its actions, the statement urged that the Supreme Judicial Council to hold all proceedings in an open court and not in camera.

“The government must ensure the CJP is provided with all facilities and freedoms and afforded every respect due to the high constitutional office he represents.”

The CHRI also deplored the “disproportionate use of force against the peaceful protest of lawyers and the violence meted out to the media.” It urged the Pakistan authorities “to be tolerant of dissenting voices, such as those of lawyers and the media.”

“CHRI hopes that the current judicial crisis in Pakistan will be resolved in accordance with the international principles of independence of the judiciary and Pakistan’s own Constitution,” said the statement.