Athar Minallah of Pakistan’s Supreme Court has advocated for strengthening judicial independence. Citing its importance for upholding law and trust between citizens and democratic institutions, his comments came during a legal conference held in Islamabad at a time of political tension and increased public scrutiny on courts.
Advocate for Judicial Independence.
Justice Minallah stressed the need for judges to make decisions independently from political influence, external pressure, or institutional interference. According to him, judges cannot serve their constitutional roles effectively without remaining truly independent in both spirit and practice – our allegiance must lie solely with our Constitution rather than any political authority or private interest group.
Minallah highlighted how an independent judiciary serves not only as a safeguard against authoritarianism but also a foundation for citizens’ rights. “When people lose trust in the courts, they also lose faith in democracy itself,” Minallah warned.
Context of Political Uncertainty
Pakistan is currently grappling with increasing political divisions, as disputes over electoral integrity, governance and accountability continue. Courts have become a focal point in these struggles; frequently adjudicating on high-profile cases involving political figures; critics contend that verdicts have often been seen through partisan lenses fuelling claims of bias by judges.
Justice Minallah acknowledged these challenges, urging judges to demonstrate impartiality, consistency and courage when administering justice. “It is our collective responsibility as judges to demonstrate these characteristics,” he stated.
Justice Minallah pointed to Pakistan’s history of constitutional crises to demonstrate how past judicial compromise had undermined public trust. He warned judges not to make the same mistake again by legitimizing unconstitutional takeovers or permitting external forces to dictate judicial outcomes, and encouraged them to learn from history while guarding their institution’s independence.
Roles and Accountabilities for Judges
Justice Minallah also stressed the significance of personal integrity and accountability within the judiciary itself. He asserted that judges must remain free of outside influence but adhere to the highest ethical standards as he noted: “Judicial independence becomes meaningless if judges themselves cannot meet such high ethical standards,” according to Minallah.
He advocated for transparent judicial appointments and stronger training for judges as well as mechanisms that would guarantee accountability without jeopardizing independence. “We cannot demand respect for the courts if we fail to live up to justice’s expectations,” said M.E.A.Khan.
Reactions and Broader Implications
Legal experts and bar associations praised Justice Minallah’s comments as timely and necessary, with legal associations like the Pakistan Bar Council supporting his call for an independent judiciary to support constitutional governance.
Observers suggest that his remarks could add momentum to ongoing discussions of judicial reform, specifically regarding how judges are appointed and transparency in high-profile cases.
Looking Forward
Pakistan continues its struggle against political unrest and public dissatisfaction, placing great reliance on its judiciary for stability. Justice Minallah’s recent statement about an independent judiciary highlights how crucial public trust in legal institutions must be restored as soon as possible; whether this call results in tangible reforms will serve as a critical test of democracy in Pakistan.
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