If Constitution calls for elections in 90 days, it is our duty to implement it: CJP Bandial

Lahore: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Sunday said that courts could not pass executive orders, and the Supreme Court has the authority to decide on fundamental human rights. If the Constitution calls for elections in 90 days, it is our duty to implement it.

Addressing a conference on the subject of minority rights in the Constitution of Pakistan in Lahore on Sunday, the Chief Justice said that Justice AR Cornelius had rendered excellent services. Justice AR Cornelius had served the Supreme Court for 17 years, and was a gem for the judicial system, an excellent lawyer, and a simple man. He passed the ICS exam at the age of 23.

The CJP said that Justice AR Cornelius had no assets when he retired, and his life is an example for judges. Minority communities in Pakistan have complete religious freedom, and the Constitution of Pakistan is the guarantor of their rights. In 1964, two provinces imposed a ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami, and he said that this is a matter of fundamental human rights.

CJP Bandial said that the restrictions in the case of Maulana Modudi have been lifted. He stated that the government or executive officer cannot make decisions on fundamental human rights, as the Supreme Court has the authority to make decisions on fundamental human rights. The Supreme Court is a constitutional institution, and we will work as part of it.

He said that when the Supreme Court speaks, its judgment is considered an ethical authority. It is necessary to follow the constitution, and no excuses should be made. “You may call it a dispute, but I will not call it a dispute. You say that you support it, but I am a part of the Supreme Court as an individual. If you want to protect the constitution and the law, then support the Supreme Court. Court decisions are considered ethical authority. If a decision is not challenged, it is considered final,” said the CJP.

Chief Justice said that Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for decades and more than 80,000 lives have been lost in the war against terrorism. Courts cannot pass executive orders.

 The top judge said that protection of human rights is the fundamental responsibility of the judiciary. It is the duty of the judiciary to provide awareness about the Constitution and the enforcement of human rights. The implementation of court orders is the top priority of state institutions. When truth is ignored, justice is ignored. The ethical authority of court decisions is important. The Constitution requires elections to be held within 90 days and it is our duty to enforce it. If our decision is not implemented today, time will prove it, and we will have to implement it tomorrow. Allah chooses judges for justice. If there is truth and falsehood in front of a judge, he should be sure that God is watching everything.

Regarding the negotiations between the ruling party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial said that our decision is independent of any negotiations. Our decision is already present, and it must be enforced, but history will prove the validity of our decision.