ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Saturday emphasized the importance of truth and transparency, stressing that every citizen should strive for truth, regardless of their personal opinions.
Speaking at a workshop held at the apex court here, the chief justice noted that before he assumed the role, no full court meeting had been held for four years, adding that live broadcast of court proceedings as a step towards enhancing the credibility of the judiciary.
He emphasized that access to information is not just a matter of the court’s will but a constitutional right for every citizen, essential for ensuring accountability in society.
Qazi Faez Isa also drew attention to the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and access to information, as outlined in Articles 19 and 19-A, respectively. He underscored the significance of these rights for the public’s understanding of the judiciary’s functioning.
In response to a petition seeking details of Supreme Court employees, the CJP mentioned that the apex court promptly ordered its registrar to provide the required information within seven days. He also highlighted the Supreme Court’s practice of uploading important verdicts on its website for public access, emphasizing that citizens have the right to demand information without fear of reprisal.
The CJP further discussed the importance of accountability, indicating that complete access to information is crucial for the process of accountability to begin. He also mentioned the appointment of a female district and sessions judge as the Supreme Court registrar, along with ongoing efforts to nominate judges for the judicial commission.
Additionally, Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the significance of improving educational institutions to change the destiny of the country. He mentioned the restoration of student unions at the Quaid-e-Azam University as a step in this direction.
The CJP also released the judiciary’s three-month performance report, highlighting the efforts to settle a significant number of cases within a limited timeframe. He underscored the importance of accountability in front of journalists and the public, emphasizing the constitutional rights related to freedom of the press and access to information.
In conclusion, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa highlighted the duty of institutions under the federal government to provide information upon demand, and he encouraged citizens to access information from the Supreme Court’s website.
The CJP stated that efforts were afoot to manage the operations of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in a “proper manner”.
The chief justice remarked that there would have been fewer complaints if the SJC had completed its tasks.
