RAWALPINDI, Dec 6: The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Justice Irshad Hasan Khan, has said that the system of administration of justice can be strengthened if Bench and Bar speak with one voice for the rule of law.

Speaking as chief guest at a farewell dinner arranged by Lahore High Court Bar Association, Rawalpindi Bench, here on Thursday, he said that a strong Bar was indispensable for an independent and efficient judiciary.

The Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, Mr Justice Falak Sher, the judges of the superior and subordinate judiciary and lawyers attended the dinner. The President of the Association, Syed Hamid Ali Bukhari, presented the address of welcome.

The Chief Justice said that there was a need for continuing legal education and training of judges and lawyers. In this regard, he floated the idea of establishing a training academy by the Bar Council for the new entrants in the legal profession. He offered the services of the Federal Judicial Academy for the training of young lawyers till the establishment of such an academy by the Bar Council.

The Chief Justice said the government would provide requisite funds for building of the proposed academy if a viable programme was worked out by the Bar Council.

A fair and effective criminal justice system marked the distinction between the civilized society and anarchy, he said.

“If the judicial system is allowed to function without any let or hindrance and if it works well, the people can live their lives peacefully and enjoy freedom, security of their persons as well as get rewards of their labour as guaranteed under the fundamental rights provided in our Constitution,” the Chief Justice said.

The Chief Justice said that the link between courts and the public was the judgment. “It is through judicial judgment that the courts communicate with litigants, lawyers, other courts and the community. It is not enough that a judgment rendered by a court be correct. It must also be fair and reasonable and readily understood,” he said. The burden of judicial judgment was to explain and satisfy the world that the decision was principled and sound, he added.

The courts, however, cannot perform their functions effectively without the proper assistance of the lawyers.

The Chief Justice said that he would recommend to the government to consider the possibility of accommodating young lawyers by appointing them as legal advisers on merits in the government controlled/established organizations and the scheduled banks.

“I am conscious of the hardships and genuine difficulties faced by the young lawyers. The judges and senior lawyers should patronize and encourage the young lawyers. I also feel strongly for upgradation of the bar associations and the government should consider providing grants in aid for this purpose.

“The system of administration of justice in the civilized world, including Pakistan, is confronted with caseloads. The workload in the subordinate courts, including the superior courts, has experienced a fantastic growth during the past 30 years. The courts have been endeavouring to cope with the increased litigation,” the Chief Justice observed.—APP