Laid foundation of judicial activism for betterment of humanity: CJP Nisar

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Saqib Nisar said on Friday that he laid foundation of judicial activism for the betterment of humanity in Pakistan.

The chief justice said to while addressing a farewell ceremony held in his honour here. He is set to retire from his post on January 17.

Justice Nisar said people were not being served the justice, which they used to be served previously.

"Since the time I started holding open courts, I saw many oppressed individuals. These individuals included the ones who did not even have money to purchase medicines," he said.

"I laid the foundation of judicial activism with sincerity. If I visited a hospital then it was to tell them that treatment facilities were not there; I did not operate on someone at the hospital."

The chief justice said, "I committed several mistakes, intentionally or unintentionally. But there was no malafide intention in them."

He said he had been striving for the rule of law and he would request judges to not do it considering it their job.

Justice Nisar said he had 56-year-long affiliation with the Lahore High Court. "My father practiced law here and I would keep on playing in these corridors."

Speaking about lawyers, he said they were integral part of the judicial system.

"They (lawyers) have to work hard for they are to become Ijaz Hussain Batalvi," the chief justice said, urging lawyers to pursue cases for the right.

He further said they would announce verdicts on the basis of merit and would not let judges to be blackmailed.

Justice Nisar said they were holding themselves accountable and expected the same from the entire fraternity.