ISLAMABAD, June 15: Acting Chief Justice Rana Bhagwandas on Friday dispelled the impression that the judiciary was under any pressure, adding that courts were functioning independently and in accordance with the Constitution.

He was talking to reporters after a “roll-signing ceremony” of lawyers from different cities as advocates of the Supreme Court. A total of 18 advocates signed the roll in front of the ACJ.

Reiterating his promise to give a ‘good news’ to the nation soon, he rejected the perception that government functionaries were approaching the judiciary to influence it. “There is no pressure from any quarter,” he observed.

Earlier, addressing the newly-enrolled advocates, the ACJ said they were pursuing a noble profession which ensured the rights of the people. “After becoming advocates of the Supreme Court there is a heavy duty upon your shoulders to serve the public, advance the cause of justice, and you should perform your duties with hard work, dedication, sincerity and work for the supremacy of law.”

The ACJ suggested the advocates to use their expertise in the field of legal profession for the benefit of the public.

He said they should uphold rule of the law for advancement of the judicial system and benefit the people at large without any ill-will, adding that bar and bench were two wheels of the chariot. “We need to have mutual respect for each other and show mutual cooperation and discipline in our profession.”

Those who signed the roll included Jamaluddin, Salman Akram Raja, Mohammad Wasay Tareen, Mohammad Qahir Shah, Mohammad Ejaz Swati and Faizullah Khan Sargarhai.