No threat to democracy in presence of independent judiciary: CJP

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that there is no threat to democracy in presence of the independent judiciary in the country.

Addressing the newly enrolled advocates of the supreme court here on Saturday the Chief Justice said that the object of the bench and the bar is to enforce adherence to the constitution and the supremacy of law in the country without and discrimination.

He emphasized that members of the bar are an integral part of the judiciary as they provide valuable help in establishing the supremacy of law.

He said that the constitution is a live document and by the grace of Allah Almighty the Judiciary, Parliament and the Executives are functioning within their assigned constitutional parameters. The Judiciary is trying its best to ensure that the provisions of the constitution are enforced in letter and spirit due to which democratic order is flourishing and strengthening in the country with each passing day.

Referring to the recently held Senate Elections, the chief justice said "it too was demonstration of enforcement of the constitution and such exercise gives us satisfaction that we are going on the right track and in the right direction. These elections were a proof of enforcement of the constitution and that the country is progressing on the right track. This could not have been achieved if there was any breakdown of the constitutional machinery or if it is assumed for ulterior motives.

Highlighting the importance of the independence of judiciary, the CJP said that there should be no doubt that in presence of independent judiciary there is no threat to the democracy in the country and that adherence to the constitution will ensure that no other system can prevail in the country.

He also expressed confidence that after enrolment of the new batch of the Supreme Court lawyers, the newly inducted advocates will provide all possible lawful help to the judiciary for strict adherence to the constitution and so as to enforce rule of law.

He further stressed that if we hold on to a system of rule of law and proceed according to the dictates of the constitution, then there should be no danger to the country and the nation will surely progress to achieve economic development and political stability.