PESHAWAR, Aug 2: Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan on Tuesday administered oath to six newly-appointed additional judges of the high court.

The judges -- Justice Khalid Mehmood, Justice Fazal Haq Abbasi, Justice Nisar Hussain Khan, Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, Justice Qaiser Rashid and Justice Malik Azmatullah -- took oath under Article 194 of the Constitution.

The ceremony was attended by judges of the high court including Justice Shahjehan Khan Yousafzai and Justice Dost Mohammad Khan, members of the district judiciary, senior lawyers and other officials.

With the appointment of these judges, the number of high court judges has increased to 15. Out of these judges only three are confirmed whereas the rest of 12 are serving on additional basis.

In his message to the new judges, the chief justice stated: “The slot you have been selected for is not a bed of roses, nor it is a place to relax and rejoice on. It may lend enchantment to the view from a distance but when you are in it, a trial, a tribulation you face day in and day out.”The chief justice added: “If you pass through these, you go up and up not only in your own eyes but also in the eyes of others.

However, when it is otherwise you sink and stoop to a bottomless pit where you are despised and detested by all those who are around you.”

“It is quite easy to do justice between two equally poor or equally rich persons. Your mettle is tested only when you decide a case between a poor and a rich notwithstanding the former is represented by a poor and mediocre lawyer and the latter is represented by a lawyer who is renowned and resourceful.

Let it be justness of the cause which should be the predominant consideration for deciding the case regardless altogether of their poverty or riches,” Justice Ejaz Afzal observed.

The chief justice stated: “Your decision in such cases proves where you stand. Your position raises the expectations of your kith and kin who, more often then not, beguile you into believing that with this slot you can advance your personal and their interest. Their logic is quite enticing and so is the temptation.”

However, history was a witness to the fact that those who followed such logic and succumbed to such temptation ultimately ruined themselves socially as well as spiritually. Guard yourself against such enticement and temptation if and when held out, the chief justice stated.

“This poor country despite scant resources offers you a handsome package over and above many other perks and privileges. This is more than sufficient to meet your needs even if you spend it with an air of extravagance. Therefore, you need not look to anybody for any favour lest the favour extended is used as a weapon to thwart the course of justice.”

“Your elevation to the bench is really a challenge. Accept it with the totality of your soul and strength to prove your worth. Almighty Allah has given us a chance to save this crumbling society through the rule of law. If we fail to avail, complete disaster shall be our inevitable lot,” Justice Ejaz Afzal added.