CJP Nisar vows to resist moves against democracy

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday said democracy is the only system which protects fundamental rights of people.

Speaking at a conference called to pay a tribute to late lawyer and human rights campaigner Asma Jahangir, he stressed: “Democracy, democracy and democracy is the best system [of governance] for Pakistan.”

He said no anti-democratic steps would be acceptable.

He lauded the services of Asma Jahangir for well-being of the country and downtrodden segment of society. He said her spirit was unmatchable and recalled he had taken first suo motu notice on her request.

Ms Jahangir would help the oppressed people get justice, he said and vowed to carry her mission forward.

CJP Nisar said doors for justice are open for everyone round the clock. It is his duty to take notice of issues of people, he added.

A day earlier, the chief justice said as many as Rs55,000 are spent on a judge from the national exchequer daily and questioned if judges are justifying this expense through their work.

He maintained that his statement of comparing judiciary to Baba Rehmata (a fictional character) was ridiculed by some but Baba Rehmata’s character is that of a village elder who is respected among people so he compared judiciary with the character.

The CJP also urged the attendants to “value” Pakistan as not all get a free country to live in and added that he himself might have only been a clerk if there were no Pakistan.

“I would have been a clerk if there were no Pakistan so I keep a check on myself too and ask myself if I am fulfilling all my responsibilities and obligations as a Pakistani,” said the CJP.