CHIEF JUSTICE OF PAKISTAN CHAIRS THE ROLL SIGNING CEREMONY OF ADVOCATES

Karachi, the 7th July, 2012.




The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, chaired the Roll Signing ceremony of the newly enrolled Advocates of the Supreme Court of Pakistan hailing from Sindh today at the Branch Registry Building, Karachi.  He  congratulated the learned Advocates on their enrolment as Advocates of the Apex Court.  He advised the newly inducted Advocates to come well-prepared for their cases as they are to protect the rights of their clients and, at the same time, as Officers of the Court, they are to render assistance to the Court as well and decisions based on their arguments are to become precedents for the future.

Addressing the select gathering the Hon’ble Chief Justice referred to a misconception in the minds of people regarding supremacy of the Parliament.  He stated that it is Constitution which expresses and embodies the will of the people.  He stated that Article 8 empowers the superior Courts to strike down any legislation which encroaches upon the basic rights of the citizens.  He also stated that the Apex Court is fully empowered to struck down any law which is in conflict with the Constitution. He stated that even in the United Kingdom itself the doctrine of supremacy of Parliament is now seen to be out of place and emphasized that it is time, after 65 years of our Independence, that we free ourselves from the shackles of obsequious intellectual servility to colonial paradigms and start adhering to our Constitution.  He said that we should only examine our own Constitution to ensure that will of the people prevails which is the very essence of a democratic system.

The Chief Justice also emphasized the need for independent Judiciary in the Country.  He said that only a free and independent Judiciary can ensure that will of the people is enforced in its true spirit.  Reference in this regard was made to Article 190 of the Constitution which bounds all executive and judicial authorities throughout Pakistan to act in the aid of the Supreme Court.  He said that we want supremacy of law and Constitution in the Country.  He emphasized that the Constitution is to be followed, preserved and protected at all costs.

The Hon’ble Chief Justice also stated that law is equal for every citizen of the Country whoever he may be and whatever his position may be. The law is same for the rich and the  poor.  

The Hon’ble Chief Justice called upon the newly inducted Advocates to provide assistance to the Court as it is their able assistance which enables the Hon’ble Judges of the Apex Court to deliver good judgments.  He also emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Constitution and the Rule of Law.