Judiciary’s independence failed to produce desired results: PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured to extend every possible cooperation to the judiciary in dispensing speedy and inexpensive justice to the common man.

Addressing a ceremony in connection with the ground-breaking of Islamabad District Courts’ building, the prime minister maintained that supremacy of law is important to take forward the society and uplift the common man.

PM Imran Khan said provision of justice to the masses is our priority and it is only through supremacy of law that the weak segments of the society can be provided protection. “The wealthy and influential always want to remain above the law,” he said.

The prime minister said it has been the tragedy of Pakistan that there have been separate set of rules for the poor and affluent class. He said regardless of blackmailing of certain elements seeking NRO, they have waged a struggle to ensure rule of law in the country.

PM Imran Khan said he is proud of being part of 2007 lawyer’s movement which was aimed at strengthening democracy and ensuring rule of law. He, however, regretted that the movement and independence of judiciary could not achieve its desired results.

He maintained that the country went downhill in terms of absence of rule of law after 1985 when a semi-democratic government had taken over after the general elections

The prime minister further said that the greatest harm former military dictator General Pervez Musharraf did was given an amnesty to tainted politicians.

“That money did not belong to the military dictator but to the nation. Still these politicians demand NRO from the government.” “So how could there be progress in the country when high and mighty demand preferential treatment?,” he questioned.

The prime minister said it has been decided to teach Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW) to the students of grades eight, nine and ten in order to keep them aware of the golden principles of State of Madinnah.

Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Athar Minallah, in his remarks appreciative the prime minister for the initiative of Islamabad District Courts building aimed at providing facilitation to the judges, lawyers and litigants.  He said the district courts are the guarantor of the rights of weak segments of society.