KARACHI: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Sunday visited Central Jail Karachi to see the plight of prisoners. During his visit police officials and jail administration met the Chief Justice. He was accompanied by a team of Judicial Magistrates.

The Judicial team released some prisoners who were imprisoned on minor charges on the orders of the Chief Justice. According to a private television, the Chief Justice also inspected the prisoners vans, Ambulances and food items being provided to the prisoners and directed the jail administration to improve the standard.

Meanwhile, a family held a demonstration in front of Central Jail for seeking justice. A relative of the family was not released after court’s order. The court exonerated Razwan Ahmed in a suicide bomb case. The brother of a prisoner Syed Asif Ali told the media that delaying tactics are being used in his case. The relatives of Farooq Mangel involved in the murder case of his wife Afreen Baig a TV Producer, said the decision is still pending due to the influence of some politicians. NNI

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Bar Association has welcomed the new judicial policy and said that it was the need of the day; and demanded of the government to appoint more judges in the judiciary. The unnecessary delay of judicial policy and ‘no decision year after year’ disheartened the masses but the recommendations of the new judicial committee of chief justice of Pakistan are according to the demands of the people, lawyers said.

Lawyers ensured the cooperation of the Rawalpindi Bar Association with Bench against the unnecessary delay of judicial policies. They asked the Govt to appoint new judges as soon as possible, so that the burden of cases may reduce.

Lawyers Wali khan, Shamus and Anwar Ul Hasan demanded that the Govt must ensure to execute the recommendations of the chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. They also demanded of the Govt to announce some special packages for the judges so that they may work with full honesty. Lawyers further asked to computerize the whole judicial system according to the modern age, in return such system would provide solution to many problems of the masses. NNI

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that black sheep will not be tolerated in the judiciary. Addressing Supreme Court staff while paying tribute to Justice Sabihuddin (Late) on his services for judiciary, he asked the judges and lawyers that it was their responsibility to ensure justice in the courts.

He urged the lawyers and court staff to identify black sheep to stop the selling of justice for ensuring transparency in the court proceedings. He said that peoples had trust in them and it was their responsibility to provide justice to the peoples. In view of terrorist activities in the country, he asked the staff not to bring their guests to the residential houses.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani had no role in the restoration of deposed judges. He said that he conducted meetings with him just related to the national security issues adding that he was fully satisfied with the performance of intelligence agencies in the country.

Talking to senior journalists’ President Zardari said that he is satisfied over the military operation in Swat adding that the force is not the only solution of all problems. President Zardari said that he visited China for security equipment and also asked America to provide drones to Pakistani security agencies so that they could be used against the terrorists.

He said he is committed to repeal 17th amendment, 58-2-b, adding that Nawaz Sharif is also belonged to their family. He said that his government wanted to restore Chief Justice Chaudhry but waiting for the retirement of former Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar.

He said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is using all powers as he is a powerful PM. President Zardari said that he wanted to return all government powers to the parliament and wanted to spend his time with his children after returning powers to PM. Answering a question about the freedom of media, President Zardari said that he is committed to the freedom of media and if there is any problem then media should approach judiciary as powerful judiciary is present under the leadership of Iftikhar Chaudhry.

He said Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan offered him the post of PM but he refused saying that Yousuf Raza Gilani was fit for the post of PM according to his understanding. Answering a question regarding the decreasing credibility of government President Zardari said that it changes time to time with the decisions. He said that he was supporter of national government in Punjab as his formula was not succeeded PPP decided to support PML-N government.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday called on Pakistan Muslim League headed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to form government in Punjab. Zardari made the call after chairing a meeting of Pakistan People’s Party’s Parliamentary group at the Governor’s House in Lahore. His son and Co-Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Zardari Bhutto also attended the meeting. “We will support PML-N’s provincial government and if the leadership of the party wants the PPP to join a coalition,” Zardari said.

Zardari’s statement came amid reports of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry constituting a larger bench to hear a set of review petitions filed by Federation of Pakistan, Speaker, Punjab Assembly, proposer and seconder of the Sharif brothers in by-elections, Mehr Zafar Iqbal and Shakeel Baig and others. The petitions seek to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision of Feb. 25 in which both PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif were disqualified from holding any public office.

The five-member bench meets today. The bench will also hear a separate application moved by the federal government seeking suspension of the disqualification order of the two brothers till the time it is not decided.

Zardari said setting a good example of tolerance, “we have given full chance to PML-N for the formation of government in Punjab.” The future line of action now depends entirely on the conduct of PML(N) toward PPP, he added.

Zardari said PPP, since its inception, firmly believed in supremacy of the constitution, rule of law, national cohesion, solidarity, sovereignty and promotion of democratic system of government. “The PPP is making all sincere efforts to strengthen democracy in the country. It had rendered record number of sacrifices in the political history of Pakistan, especially the Bhutto family for the restoration and promotion of democracy in the country,” Zardari said.

He reiterated that his party “will leave no stone unturned to promote the politics of tolerance, decency and do away with the politics of confrontation and agitation across the country.” He said following the policy of reconciliation, he announced the lifting of governor’s rule in Punjab during his address to joint session of the Parliament on Saturday.

Bilawal Zardari Bhutto also spoke on the occasion. He categorically endorsed all the policies being pursued by his father. He said the president should be politically strengthened. Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, President PPP, Punjab, Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan, former senior minister Raja Riaz Ahmad and other party stalwarts attended the meeting besides all party MNAs and MPAs.

Reacting to Zardari’s offer, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly said PML-N’s main preference was the implementation of Charter of Democracy which the PPP and PML-N had signed. He said: “If we undo 17th Constitutional Amendment most of the powers will be transferred to Prime Minister’s Office.”
courtesy: Arab News

ISLAMABAD: In the second climb-down in a month, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday said he would order the lifting of governor’s rule in Punjab, the populous eastern province considered the political bastion of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz.

The provincial government of Shahbaz Sharif was dismissed in late February and governor’s rule imposed after the Supreme Court disqualified the Sharif brothers from contesting elections over previous conviction.

The one-year-old civilian government, led by Zardari’s Pakistan’s Peoples’ Party (PPP), was plunged into crisis this month when Sharif drove through Punjab at the head of mass protests that raised fears of a violent climax in Islamabad. The government placed barricades round the capital and put the army on alert as Sharif set off from the eastern city of Lahore.

Fearful of instability in a nuclear-armed nation already under threat from Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants, Western governments and the Pakistan Army persuaded Zardari to defuse the crisis by submitting to Sharif’s demand for the reinstatement of a top judge. On March 16, the government restored Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry as Supreme Court chief justice. Chaudhry was sacked by former President Pervez Musharraf.

“I wish to announce that we shall recommend the lifting of the governor’s rule in Punjab,” Zardari said in a keynote address to Parliament yesterday. He said the PPP will sit in the opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

“Pakistan has many challenges. What it does not need is a challenge from within its democracy,” Zardari said. “Let’s put an end to challenging each other. We have enough challenges from around the world and within us (from) our enemies. Let us be friends once again and forever.”

In a step toward dispelling mistrust between the country’s two major political parties, the government this month asked the Supreme Court to suspend the Sharifs’ disqualification while an appeal is heard. The court is due to hear the government’s plea on the Sharifs’ behalf tomorrow.

Zardari said he hoped the restoration of the provincial government would lead to reconciliation between the two and that he and Sharif could “still meet as friends.” Opinion polls show Sharif, the prime minister ousted by Musharraf in a coup in 1999, has become Pakistan’s most popular politician since returning from exile in late 2007.

Sharif’s popularity was linked to the uncompromising stand he took over Chaudhry, the judge Musharraf dismissed when he declared emergency rule to extend his presidency.

The pro-West Zardari had become widely unpopular, again in part because of his past reluctance to reinstate Chaudhry who had stood up to Musharraf. Analysts say the president had feared the judge might nullify an amnesty Musharraf had given Benazir Bhutto and Zardari to return to Pakistan without fear of prosecution in corruption cases.

In his Parliament speech yesterday, Zardari also said that Pakistan will not compromise its sovereignty. “We have opposed drone attacks and we will oppose them,” the president said, referring to frequent missile attacks on suspected terrorists in the country’s northwest bordering Afghanistan.

- With input from agencies

Islamabad: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday said resuming charge by Chief Justice Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry is to bring positive change in the political and business environment of the country.

Stock exchange and financial markets have already welcomed him the day he was reinstated and the disgruntled business community is pinning high hopes on him. Disappointed and disillusioned are looking towards him for resolution of their problems.

“The biggest achievement of CJP is not providing justice to masses but giving hope and direction to the divided people of Pakistan,” said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW adding that we welcome the statement of CJP regarding wiping out corruption in the judiciary.

Now, he will have to keep an eye on executive, working of judiciary, corruption in subordinate courts and excesses by politicians etc. Business environment should be made enabling and the CJP should burn midnight lamp for improving dispute resolution which is a stumbling block in progress.

The present policies have contributed to decline in overall business activities. Two per cent GDP growth is a threat bigger than any we faced in the past.

The procedure of appointment of judges should be changed to clean superior courts of politics and bring them a good name. People deserve to enjoy the fruits of victory of democracy.

Dr. Mughal said reinstatement of CJP is the most positive development in history of Pakistan. He said that failures of two presidents and their ‘capable’ teams played a major role in success of Iftikhar Chaudhry.

Masses started looking towards CJP for relief when Musharraf disappointed them. Zardari proved to be no exception. “We hope he will burst all his cylinders to safeguard the interests of masses who have ensured his return,” he said. People are hoping that he will not only strengthen judiciary but also economy and institutions. He should restyle society and discourage negative trends endangering the country.

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has arrived Supreme Court after long break of one year, 4 months and 21 days. According to sources, Chief Justice arrived the building, he was dressed with rose petals by lawyers and civil activists and guard of honour was observed on this occasion.

The lawyers and the civil activists held national flag and chanted slogans Pakistan Zindabad and in fovour of independence of judiciary as well; whereas, Justice Khalil Ramday, Justice Shakir Ullah Jan and Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk were also along him. The Chief Justice entered into the Supreme Court room No. 1 along with a large number of lawyers and civil activists who gathered to hail him at his first visit after long absence.

He started hearing of cases on the occasion and conducted oath ceremony of Chief election Commission Justice Hamid Ali Mirza as well. On the eve of the Chief Justice arrival to Supreme Court, families of the missing persons were present in front of the building. The employees of the Supreme Court stood in respect of Chief Justice arrival and security arrangement was quite tight in the occasion.

It was happened first time in the history of Pakistan as well as of the world that the Chief Justice reinstated for third time owing to his own and of the lawyers’ long and consistent struggles.

Iftikhar took oath as Chief Justice of Supreme Court first time on June 30, 2005; however, he was removed on March 9, 2207 by former president Pervez Musharraf through ordinance after leveling allegations against him. But soon after he was declared sinless by the Supreme Judicial Council and restored him again on his position on July 20, 2007.

In the meanwhile, a conspiracy hatched against independent judiciary and he was along sixty others judges unseated on November 3, 2007 by the then president and army chief Pervez Musharraf by declaring emergency in the county; however, it was reacted severely and the government lastly to bow before the mass flood on mach 16, 2009 when the Chief Justice Iftikhar along with other judges reinstated for the third time.

Input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: After two year’s bloody struggle of Lawyers initially supported by all political parties excluding Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and during second phase of struggle the ruling Pakistan People’s Party itself in a whispering manner opposed reinstatement of deposed Chief Justice Iftkhar Chaudhry but on March 15, former two-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s Long March with popular support forced President Asif Ali Zardari to reverse the judicial situation to pre-Nov.3, 2007, a historic moment came when Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was for the second time reinstated to top position at the Supreme Court.

It was a close holiday on Sunday in Islamabad. Covered with grey clouds Margallah hills which over look ‘Judges Colony’, appeared as a national salvation day. Every one was walking towards the residence of Chief Justice facing Sindh House. All the tv channels had installed their Digital Satellite Newsgathering Systems and cameramen and reporters were waiting for the moment which the nation of Pakistan had waited for long.

Pakistan’s leading jurist and a PPP leader Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan was the master of ceremony. He had invited those PPP leaders who either had given sacrifices during Lawyers’ movement or were supportive of slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s promise,

“A day will dawn when we will hoist national flag at the residence of Chief Justice Iftkhar Chaudhry”,

Bhutto had made this pledge while addressing a rally in front of Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s house a month before her assassination. Political Secretary of Benazir Bhutto Nahid Khan, her husband Senator Dr. Safdar Abbasi, Dr. Israr Shah, a member of PPP’s CEC who had lost his two legs during a blast at District courts of Islamabad in July 2007 when Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was to address members of local Bar Association, too was present though he is close to President Asif Ali Zardari. He hoisted the national flag.

“Benazir Bhutto has today honoured her pledge”, Nahid Khan said while talking to emotionally charged crowd. She said we waited for this moment after crossing a bloody journey which even cost life of our great leader.

People were rejoicing but the man, for the traditions and values of his office, Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry did not appear in the balcony. His son Balach kept appearing in the main balcony. Aitzaz Ahsan conducting the ceremony said that this would be the last of the series of restoration of judiciary functions, while Chief Justices of Pakistan would not participate in this function. Aitzaz thanked Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Imran Khan especially for their unflinching support to the lawyers’ movement.

The man for whom bells kept tolling Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has many a challenges ahead to face. His challenges are very complicated. What he would decided about the period between November 3, 2007 to March 22, 2009. What will be fate of those judgments which were made by outgoing Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, face of NRO Ordinance which provided indemnity to President Asif Ali Zardari in several graft cases and will he take up any appeal, writ or petitions against for military president Pervez Musharraf. Time in its maturity alone will answer these questions.

Chief justice Abdul Hameed Dogar has completed his term as Chief Justice of Pakistan today. Restored Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumes his office as Chief Justice of Pakistan on March 22. Dogar held farewell meetings with all SC judges and staff here on Friday.

Meanwhile Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken charge as the Chief Justice of Pakistan on early Sunday. In a statement released by Supreme Court of Pakistan, it is said that justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken charge as the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Former president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Aitzaz Ahsan said that Naheed khan, a close friend of Benazir Bhutto, would raise the Pakistan’s flag on the residence of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on March 22. Taking to media man, he said that it was a desire of late Benazir Bhutto who would be fulfilled by her friend.

Former president SCBA said that the flag-rising ceremony would be started on at 11:00 am March 22. Aitzaz Ahsan said that leader of the political parties which participated in the judiciary’s restoration movement would participate in the ceremony but Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would not attend the ceremony.

Input From Agencies