Newly elected body of SCBA meets CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Wednesday expressed the hope that the newly elected body of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) under guidance of Asma Jahangir would work for the rule of law and strengthening of democratic system.

He was addressing members of outgoing and newly elected body of SCBA.

The chief justice said: "for the first time in the history of Supreme Court Bar Association, a female lawyer has been bestowed with an honour to lead the lawyers and protect their rights and also the rights of women and the other marginalized classes."

He also appreciated her efforts both within the country and abroad for restoration of judiciary after 09 March 2007.

"The whole country acknowledges the sacrifices and commitment shown by the legal fraternity to bring a true and effective change in our society for sake of democracy, supremacy of Constitution and rule of law," he added.

The Chief Justice also praised the role of ex-president Qazi Mohammad Anwar and said that he performed his job and cooperated with the Bench in a professional manner."

Stressing the need for effective cooperation between the Bench and the Bar, he said that with the effective cooperation of the Bar, institution of judiciary will be strengthened.

Asma Jahangir, president of Supreme Court Bar Association, said "the Chief Justice of Pakistan is the personality who occupies special place in the hearts and minds of the people of the entire country."

She stated that by electing her as president, the Bar has given a message that Pakistan was a country that believed in progress.

She said that the Bar and Bench should cooperate with each other for the promotion of shared principles of mutual respect and rule of law.

She thanked the Chief Justice for giving the bar an opportunity of interacting with him.