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Revamp judicial system
Press release of full court meeting shows the Chief Justice Yahya Afridi along with all judges is determined to undertake the much-needed and long-delayed reforms to revamp the rotten and outmoded judicial system, worst expression of our colonial heritage. Indeed, Justice Yahya Afridi possesses in-depth knowledge of maladies faced by our justice system, if one calls it so, and has will, competence and determination to remove them.
The current legal system has not served any useful purpose for dispensation of justice and the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied”. No doubt, the apex court and high courts are constitutionally obliged to curtail arbitrary exercise of powers by any organ of the State, as their main role is protection of fundamental rights of citizens under all circumstances. Tragically, our courts are still following outdated procedures and methods whereas many countries have adopted an e-system for filing of cases and their quick disposal through fast-track follow-up using offices of magistrates at grass root levels.
The main aim of judicial reforms should be elimination of unnecessary litigation and facilitating smooth running of affairs between the State and its citizens. The principles underlying judicial reforms should not mean forcing unnecessary litigation and then its quick disposal but to help reduce its occurrence in the first instance. The new CJP should establish a Commission to determine reasons for this morbid state of affairs and give concrete proposals to end the causes of undue litigation.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Reviving teaching ethics
The teaching profession, once regarded as a noble calling in Pakistan, is now weakened by a persistent cycle of corruption that jeopardizes the futures of both current and upcoming generations. Teachers are entrusted with shaping young minds; however, when educational integrity is sold for bribes or personal gain, we risk undermining our schools and the nation’s future.
Corruption within the teaching profession manifests in various ways: teachers obtaining positions through bribery, securing promotions based on favouritism rather than merit, or offering inflated grades in exchange for money or favours. This erosion of professional ethics fosters an environment where students learn that success can be bought rather than earned. When unqualified or apathetic individuals hold teaching roles, the quality of education suffers, leaving students unprepared for the real world.
Research shows that nations focusing on ethical education systems produce innovative, empowered generations. In Pakistan, however, corruption has entrenched a culture of mediocrity, leaving many youth at a disadvantage in a rapidly globalizing economy. If these practices go unchecked, they will prolong a cycle of incompetence and disenfranchisement for years to come.
Authorities must establish stringent oversight to ensure hiring, promotions and grading are based solely on merit. Furthermore, efforts must empower whistleblowers within educational institutions, allowing them to report malpractice without fear of retaliation. The success of any society rests on the pillars of education. To give our children the future they deserve, we must commit to protecting the integrity of teaching in Pakistan.
SHAHJAHAN MEMON
Islamabad
US elections and genocide
If there is anything more humiliating than the silence of the international community over the Palestinian genocide, is the banning of UNRWA by Israel. The world is watching how the Zionist State is openly defying the laws set by the champions of basic human rights and continues to evade the warnings issued by the body previously. The open accusation it is placing on the humanitarian agency which claims to be operating on “neutral” grounds is quite astonishing. It is quite evident from the fact that the pet, the West has been feeding for a long time, has slipped out of their hands and has become a danger not only for Palestinians but for the superpower itself.
The upcoming US elections have become increasingly amusing with the presidential candidates continuously avoiding the remarks on the subject of genocide and their stance on the billions of dollars being used to fund the war instead despite their claims that they will do everything in their power to secure a ceasefire which at this point, seems unattainable as the Zionists continue to bomb innocents including babies that it labels “Hamas” warriors. No matter what the outcome of the US presidential elections is the agenda of both parties is quite clear; to continue their unwavering support for the genocide from behind the scenes.
IFRAH SHAHBAZ
Islamabad
