KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has dispelled the impression that acquittals in terrorism cases are because of weakness of courts, and said such acquittals are a direct consequence of faulty investigation and poor prosecution.

He stated this in his keynote address at the inaugural session of international seminar on “Combating Terrorism through Law”, organised by the Sindh High Court Bar Association, here on Friday

The Chief Justice said that the steps to be taken for combating terrorism are not to be restricted to the legal realm, and there are other ways to address this issue. He further said no one should abuse the process of law in the garb of war against terror.

Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that undoubtedly the law needs further improvement and to define the crimes more narrowly.

However, he said only making of the laws is not enough and there will be needed their implementation in letter and spirit to achieve desired results.

He said if the laws against terrorism are properly implemented and followed in any society then there would be no room for terrorists to survive.

The Chief Justice further said terrorist activities cannot be carried out without funding.

He stressed the need for properly monitoring the law on monetary transactions, and called for further improvement in law on electronic transactions.

About security situation in Karachi, he said the city of lights and the hub of trade and commerce has become hub of the terrorist activities. He recalled that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of law and order situation in the metropolis and had suggested steps to depoliticise the police to tackle the situation.

The court had further observed that political influence in the process of appointments and postings should be removed.

The Chief Justice said that the apex court has repeatedly observed in its judgments that the role of law enforcement agencies is very important and they have to work with full honesty. He, however, said the black sheep in any organisation are not only fatal for that institution but also for the whole community.

Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry called for steps for removal of social injustice and imbalance in the society for utilizing potential of youths by utilizing their creative skills.

About the people living in PATA and FATA, he said they should be given importance and their problems on both at the provincial and federal levels should be addressed.

He further said the people of tribal areas should equally be obliged to take part in the mainstream so that no sense of deprivation should flourish in their minds.

The Chief Justice called for joint efforts to tackle the menace of terrorism.