LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani has said that the country has been surrounded by non-state elements who do not believe in supremacy of law, and democracy is under threat which can only be saved by dispensation of justice.
The supremacy of law, justice and the Constitution could not be upheld by mere words; rather, it needed true spirits, the CJ said while addressing a ceremony held in honour of Justice Umar Ata Bandial at Supreme Court Lahore Registry here on Saturday.
Justice Jillani said that intolerance was increasing fast in the country and it had become a major threat to democracy.
He said the activities of non-state actors who are trampling down law in the country and non confidence of people into judicial system is also increasing intolerance among the people at large.
Survival of democracy is only possible with timely provision of justice, he said, adding that people must restore their faith in the judicial system. –Our staff reporter
Justice Jillani added that independence of the judiciary could not only be achieved through what was written in the constitution and it was essential to restore the trust of people in the justice system.
The chief justice hoped that the judiciary will take measures to provide speedy justice to the people and will respect their oath to law and constitution. Stressing upon the need for timely justice, he said that there was enough to be done to restore trust of people in judiciary and judicial system of the country. According to the CJP it is required that the authority of law and supremacy of constitution be established in the country.
Justice Bandial also spoke on the occasion and said that judges never reacted over the threats hurled at them or over the problems they faced. He said they were recognised by their judgments.
Bandial said civilised societies always respected laws.