Pakistan going through 'silent revolution': ex-CJ

NEW YORK - Stating that Pakistan was going through "an evolution as well as a silent revolution", sacked Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry expressed confidence that the lawyers movement would ensure the supremacy of the Constitution, independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the country.
"Because of this movement, different factions of society have united for a common cause. Because of this movement, people have become aware of important issues and have woken up to the importance of strong and independent institutions," he said in a speech at the University of Pennsylvania Law School on Thursday afternoon.
"I represent the thousands of lawyers who have been fighting for an independent judiciary and the rule of law for over a year . I represent the countless Pakistanis who stood alongside the lawyers and have endured all kinds of atrocities during this period. I represent the brave and valiant reporters and journalists of the Pakistani media , who have also experienced every possible hurdle , including not only risking their lives but actually sacrificing their lives because of what they stood for and what they were not prepared to compromise," justice Chaudhry told a big gathering of students, lawyers and constitutional experts.
The chief justice was given a standing ovation. The Dean of faculty of Drexul University received him and his delegation, which included prominent lawyers Aitzaz Ahsan and Athar Minallah.
The Dean described Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry as the true hero and the lawyers of Pakistan as models for lawyers across the globe. Minallah thanked the Dean and the faculty for a very warm reception.
In his speech, justice Chaudhry said, "The 'rule of law' has become an essential condition or prerequisite for 'good governance', but in the context of new democracies such as Pakistan, this principle acquires an added significance: The maintenance of rule of law through an independent judiciary strengthens democratic institutions and brings about national unity and cohesion.
"An important lesson from the contemporary world is that nations that practice rule of law, achieve a relatively better system of administration. Such a system enforces the principles of 'accountability' and 'transparency' and guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.
"The citizens have confidence in the judiciary to safeguard their rights and interests and resolve their conflicts and disputes. The courts comprising of honest, independent and competent judges, dispense justice freely, fairly and impartially. An independent judiciary is a crucial safeguard for foreign investors, local entrepreneurs and the business community for the protection of their capital".