Elections will be held on time, no provision for judicial martial law: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday vowed that the next general elections will be held on time, saying that there was no provision for a judicial martial law in the constitution.

The chief justice was addressing a gathering held to pay tribute to renowned human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jehangir who passed away in February.

Justice Nisar said that he would resign if he fails to prevent a martial law, and he would never let anyone to infringe upon the constitution, and there will only be democracy and the rule of law in the country.

“There are rumours of a judicial law martial. There is no constitutional provision for it. And if there is a real martial law then I will go home but will certainly not endorse it,” he said.

He further said that next general elections without any delay, and there was no constitutional provision either to postpone the elections.

He said that no one will be allowed to infringe upon the constitution, and that the concept of a ‘judicial martial law’ is laughable and absurd, and he has no right to be the chief justice if any such steps are taken.

Justice Nisar praised the late activist saying that Asma Jehangir was a brave, fearless woman who was always undeterred and he had seen her being always at the forefront during protest movements.

“Asma Jehangir was a brave woman, jurist and humanitarian,” he said. “However her biggest quality I saw was that she always led from the front in protests.”

He said the Jehangir was always there to pick up a humanitarian case, and that courageous women like Jehangir are seldom found. He said the services of Jehangir to the nation will be never forgotten.