PML-N committed to restore free judiciary: Shahbaz

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has said that PML-N is committed to supremacy of law and restoration of an independent judiciary. Talking to a three-member delegation of LAWASIA Mission led by its President Mah Weng Kwai, who called on him at CM Secretariat here Thursday, he said that people have supported this strong stance of N-League through their vote in the general election.
PML-N always advocted a transparent system for the appointment of superior courts’ judges, he said, adding that in this regard a clear-cut method was agreed upon in the Charter of Democracy signed by leaders of PML-N and PPP.
The Chief Minister said that besides consultation with concerned bar association and bar council, recommendations of joint parliamentary committee with equal representation of treasury and opposition members, had also been declared mandatory for the appointment of judges.
“Revolutionary measures have been taken for the judges of subordinate courts in Punjab and their salaries have been increased upto 300 per cent, while a number of steps have also been taken to improve facilities in the courts,” he maintained.
Shahbaz Sharif clarified that Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had truly become the symbol of struggle.
An independent judiciary and timely provision of justice are essential for the survival and stability of the country, he observed.
The delegation sought detailed information about the method of appointment of judges in a transparent manner under the CoD.
The delegation said the matter of provision of justice is no longer confined to geographical boundaries but has become and international issue and lawyers’ struggle has attracted attention of the entire world.
The delegation members assured their full support to the efforts for the independence of judiciary in the country and said that they would provide complete information about the lawyers’ movement in Pakistan to the council members so that they could play their due role in the legal struggle in this regard.
The delegation comprised Christopher Leong and Executive Officer and Secretary of LAWASIA for Asia and Pacific, Miss Janet Neville whereas Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and MNAs Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Ayaz Sadiq were also present.