Implementation of verdicts: former servicemen say Supreme Court can call Army under Article 190

A number of retired army officers have stated that the Supreme Court can invoke Article 190 of the constitution to direct executive authorities including military to ensure implementation of its directives.
The spokesman of Ex-Servicemen Association, Brigadier Abdussalam Akhtar (Retd), told Business Recorder that the constitution of the country was supreme, adding, "it is the responsibility of all institutions of the country, including the armed forces, to act as per the directives of the apex court."
He further said a meeting of all ex-army men would be called to mull over a one-point agenda: to suggest to the army to intervene and compel the government to implement the court orders. Mirza Aslam Baig during a recent media talk urged the army to play its due role and ensure implementation of Supreme Court's decision in letter and sprit.
Air Marshal Shahid Lateef (Retd) stated that the judiciary was the only pillar of state trusted by all. Its decisions must be honoured and implemented. "The Supreme Court must act when there is an institutional breakdown and fundamental rights of the citizens are being blatantly usurped," he said.
He added, "If the 'law of necessity' can be used to legitimize military rule, then surely non implementation of the SC verdicts is of a more serious nature". He recommended that a judiciary sponsored and army supported commission of retired, non-partisan and non-controversial judges be formed to select a team of selfless men with proven character, loyalty, sincerity and integrity, as specialists to run the country. The selection should be based on their past performance and contributions to the nation.