LAHORE, May 30: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has welcomed the decision of the Sindh High Court judges of not accepting the role of acting governor and said that a series of other similar steps were necessary for ensuring the independence and dignity of the judiciary.

In a press statement issued here on Wednesday, HRCP chairperson Asma Jahangir and secretary-general Syed Iqbal Haider said the decision to refuse appointment as acting governor could only be welcomed as a highly positive step for the independence of judiciary. The acceptance of gubernatorial office, even for short periods, had harmed the integrity of the judiciary and tended to obliterate the line of distinction between the judiciary and the executive leading to serious distortions in the polity.

The HRCP office-bearers said the commission had been advocating for years about steps to ensure independence of judiciary and the decision won its wholesome endorsement. They emphasised the need for ending the practice of appointing superior courts’ judges as heads and members of commissions and tribunals of largely administrative nature. In most cases, the association of judges with such tribunals lent them the respect and authority they might not merit. The reports of such commissions were generally not implemented, often not made public either, and the judiciary’s dignity was compromised as a consequence.

Similarly, they said, it was time to discontinue the practice of appointing retired judges to offices of profit for this smacked of illicit gratification. The expectation, even possibility, of getting a reward after retirement could influence the commitment of a judge to the high ideals of his calling.

They also called for the system of selection and appointment of judges to be revised, especially in view of the recent instances of the executive’s manipulation of the procedures of judges’ postings and transfers. All forms of the executive’s interference in such matters must cease. Besides, ways must be found to introduce public say in the appointment of judges. The people should have the power to block the elevation to the bench of persons having record of bias against democracy, women, minorities or the poor. The elevation to the superior judiciary must be made on merit and not strong connections, the HRCP office bearers add.