IT is because of integrity, professionalism, acumen and impeccable character that certain personalities leave behind a legacy and become unforgettable. Asif Saeed Khosa, who retired from the seat of country’s top judge on Friday, is also in our view amongst those who will always stand out in the judiciary for passing verdicts against influential personalities without any fear and favour.
During his 11-month tenure former CJP introduced remarkable structural changes to provide speedy justice to the masses. His initiatives such as introducing model courts to ensure speedy disposal of cases and using information technology to link main registry with those in major cities greatly facilitated both litigants and lawyers. He strived hard to improve judiciary’s image and resisted the temptation to interfere in matters beyond his ken. As Justice Gulzar Ahmad took oath of office as new Chief Justice of Pakistan, we are confident that he will take forward the legacy left behind by Mr Khosa and focus on bringing further improvement in justice delivery system, for which, he also definitely requires the help of Parliament to carry out and improve legislation in order to ensure speedy and inexpensive delivery of justice to the masses. In fact Justice Gulzar Ahmad has taken the gavel from Asif Saeed Khosa at a very critical time when judgment of special court in former military ruler Pervez Musharraf case has once again given rise to speculations of clash amongst the institutions. The bars have also reservations over the appointment of judges as well as Supreme Judicial Council proceedings against two superior court judges. We are confident that given his experience, the new CJP will aptly and carefully handle the situation.
At the full court reference held in honour of outgoing Chief Justice, Justice Gulzar Ahmad also articulated his priorities when he said that corruption and illegalities, in all departments of the state, need to be seriously addressed and eliminated and persons involved in such activities are dealt with an iron hand for this scourge does not allow the country to grow and prosper. One fully agrees with his assertion and indeed this menace of corruption should be tackled effectively at all levels from top to bottom to achieve glory envisioned by the founding fathers of this country. This paper felicitates Justice Gulzar Ahmad on assuming the responsibility of the CJP and we are confident that he will do his best to improve the justice delivery system.
