LAHORE: Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan has underscored the importance of avoiding conflicts among institutions, warning against those who seek to create division. He made these remarks during the closing ceremony of a pre-service training course at the Punjab Judicial Academy on Friday.
Chief Justice Shahzad emphasized that confrontation would only undermine institutions.
He stated that the judiciary does not seek a conflict with any bar, institution, or government, and this intent should be acknowledged by all parties.
He added that the judiciary will respect others as long as the courts receive due honor, cautioning against unrealistic expectations otherwise.
He also affirmed that the legal community must always operate within the bounds of the law.
Addressing the newly trained judges, he highlighted their significant responsibility to perform their duties fearlessly and without succumbing to pressure or greed.
He reminded them to fear God above all, rather than those on earth.
Justice Shahzad urged the legal fraternity to maintain independence and not act as an extension of any government, agency, or institution, except to enhance coordination for system improvement.
He noted that Punjab faces 1.4 million pending cases, partly due to a shortage of jurists and frequent court strikes.
He commended the legal community in Punjab, particularly the Chief Justice of Pakistan and Supreme Court judges, for their role in reducing court strikes.
Justice Shahzad recalled Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, Pakistan’s first Christian Chief Justice, as a pioneer of an independent judiciary.
He also mentioned other notable justices like Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, Wajihuddin Ahmed, Nasir Aslam Zahid, and Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who continued this legacy.
Chief Justice Shahzad concluded by affirming that the judicial system is meant to protect the rights of the innocent, helpless, and weak, rather than serve powerful individuals. He called on jurists to work diligently towards realizing the dream of an independent judiciary in the country.
