UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS ON HCJP.

Dated: 6-June-2012 Ms. Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights accompanied by Mr. Rory Mungoven, Mr. Rupert Colville, Ms. Thanda Thanda, OHCHRs and Mr. Timo Pakkala, Resident Coordinator (head of UN in Pakistan) called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, today on 06.06.2012 in the Supreme Court Building, Islamabad. Dr. Faqir Hussain, Registrar Supreme Court of Pakistan, Ambassador Zamir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva and Ms. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Director (SC&HR), were also present on this occasion. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan welcomed the delegation on their visit to the Supreme Court of Pakistan and informed the delegation that judiciary is cognizant of its duty cast by the Constitution and is playing its effective role in the Administration of justice in the country. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan briefly introduced the system of Administration of justice and judicial hierarchy in Pakistan. He stated that court system of Pakistan comprises superior judiciary i.e. Supreme Court of Pakistan and the High Courts of the provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory, and the District Courts i.e. Courts of District & Sessions Judges and the Civil Judges. Besides, Federal Shariat Court is also established under the Constitution which is vested with a specified jurisdiction regarding Shariah cases. The Supreme Court takes suo motu action regularly where any complaint is received. Explaining the jurisdiction and working of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Hon’ble Chief Justice stated that the Supreme Court in exercise of its original jurisdiction has been initiating suo motu cases of general public importance involving the enforcement of fundamental rights. The Supreme Court has entertained cases of women, children, minorities and other weaker segments of the society and provided them prompt relief by passing appropriate judgments. The delegation appreciated the role of Supreme Court in Human Rights cases and referred to the case of alleged murder of certain girls in Kohistan which was fixed today before the Court for prompt and quick action. The UN High Commissioner appreciated the struggle, courage and instance of Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan and the role of lawyers for independence of judiciary and the rule of law. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan said that it is the primary duty of the superior judiciary to ensure supremacy of the Constitution and strengthen governance system of the country under the principle of trichotomy of power envisaged by the Constitution. The Hon’ble Chief Justice said that laws basically help weak and common man so that his rights are protected and he is not deprived of his legal entitlements and is not discriminated in any manner. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan informed the delegation that the juvenile courts are established in Pakistan to deal with the cases of children below 18 years of age. The law does not provide for imposition of major penalties of death, life or Rigorous imprisonment in such cases. The issue of appointment of judges was also discussed and the Hon’ble Chief Justice said that there are a number of women judges in the district judiciary and a number of women are joining the legal profession but comparatively the number of women judges in the High Courts is smaller at the moment and efforts are being made to induct more women at all tiers of the judicial hierarchy. The Hon’ble Chief Justice informed the delegation that the judiciary in Pakistan is independent and is playing its role as envisaged in the Constitution without fear or favour. He stated that Supreme Court takes action in cases of violation of Constitution, law and arbitrary actions of executive. The judiciary is mandated by Constitution to nullify every executive action, which has no sanction in Constitution or the Law.