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Inquiry Commission
Former chief justice of Pakistan Justice (R) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani has a tough task ahead as head of the newly-approved Inquiry Commission over allegations by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), former Justice Jillani will be looking into the recent allegations levelled by the judges in a letter.
The main task for the Commission is to investigate the allegations and see how they hold up to scrutiny and also see whether any official was directly involved in the alleged interference and then also determine what kind of action should be taken once the investigation has figured out the details.
The task in front of the Commission is important and tough. Judicial independence is a fundamental pillar of democracy and any attempt to undermine judicial independence not only threatens the integrity of the judiciary but also erodes public trust in the justice system.
The IHC judges’ letter raises serious questions about the extent of executive influence over the judiciary in Pakistan, including the appointment of judges and the handling of sensitive cases. Such interference, if proven true, would be a grave violation of the principles of judicial independence and the separation of powers.
To uphold judicial independence in Pakistan, it is imperative that the government and state institutions respect the autonomy of the judiciary and refrain from any actions that may be perceived as attempts to influence judicial decisions. The judiciary must also uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and impartial accountability. For a country that was founded by a lawyer (Muhammad Ali Jinnah) is already struggling with its faith in the justice system, the IHC judges’ letter comes as a further blow to judicial credibility. This is why the matter has to be investigated keeping in mind the utmost transparency.
It is now doubly important for civil society as well to remain vigilant and ensure that the principles of democracy and rule of law are upheld. Such letters in any other country would have shaken the whole system. It is hoped that the appointed Commission would do its job with utmost care and diligence to the satisfaction of the people.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Unity thru human connection
No thanks is enough for Jubel D’Cruz and Pakistan Observer for the letters titled “Play a safe Holi” (19 March) and “Kudos to Pak Observer” (21 March).
Indeed Pakistan Observer is simply unique for enabling its readers to share their opinions not only on political and social matters; but also revolving around various experiences of life!
However the greatest trait of Pakistan Observer is its inherent HUMANITY —— the NOBLEST feature which every person or organisation in the globe need to possess. Through the editorials, articles and letters; it always speaks about values, principles, love, peace and lodges protest against all sorts of ills named sexual atrocities, domestic violence, child labour, human trafficking, torture against women folk, illiteracy, hunger, malnutrition, poverty, consumerism, communalism and all norms of inhumanity.
Also the daily acts as a cultural bridge between us and Pakistan, thanks to which we get enlightened about the humanitarian thought process of various readers of that nation. The emotion which Mr. D’Cruz harbours towards the daily is also religiously shared by me to the full without a single if and but.
As for the letter revolving around Holi celebration, how nice to witness an Indian Christian writing about a Hindu festival and which in turn getting published in bold format in “Islamic” Pakistan! Yes we must remain attached to our racial linguistic religious and national roots, but such attachment must not deviate our mind from the ultimate truth of Humanity!
As the Last Prophet (PBUH), in his last sermon from Mount Arafat, said —— “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; except by piety & good action”.
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Pink bus service
The Pink Bus Service in Karachi represents an effective measure by the Sindh government to enhance women’s safety. However, it encounters minor challenges due to a shortage of vehicles and female drivers. Being the first women-only bus service in Pakistan, it is a much-needed facility. Yet, due to limited accessibility in certain areas of Karachi, women are not adequately served. Therefore, the government should deploy more buses and female drivers to ensure comprehensive coverage across every part of Karachi. Moreover, extending this initiative throughout Sindh would further facilitate women across the province. It is crucial that every woman in Karachi and beyond has access to this service, enabling them to navigate their daily lives with confidence and independence.
AREEBA ALTAF
Karachi
