Justice Shahzad: Courts Must Be Honored, Not Overpowered

Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan highlighted the importance of avoiding confrontations among institutions during a speech at the Punjab Judicial Academy’s pre-service training course conclusion ceremony on Friday. Justice Shahzad emphasized, “Beware of those who want to sow discord,” stressing that such conflicts would only weaken the institutions involved.

He highlighted the significant backlog of 1.4 million cases pending in Punjab courts, attributing this partly to strikes and the shortage of jurists.

Justice Shahzad made it clear that the judiciary seeks no conflict with any bar, institution, or government. He stated, “The judiciary does not want a face-off with any party,” urging all parties to reciprocate this stance. He added, “We will respect everyone until the courts are given due honor; otherwise, no one should set high expectations.”

The Chief Justice reiterated that the legal fraternity would not operate above the law. Addressing newly trained judges, he urged them to fulfill their duties fearlessly, without succumbing to pressure or greed. “Fear the God on the throne… we will not be afraid of those on the ground,” he asserted.

Justice Shahzad stressed that the judiciary should not become the “B team” of any government, agency, or institution, except for improving system coordination. He highlighted the significant backlog of 1.4 million cases pending in Punjab courts, attributing this partly to strikes and the shortage of jurists.

The Chief Justice praised the efforts of the legal fraternity in Punjab, especially the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and Supreme Court judges, for their roles in reducing the strike culture in the country’s courts. He emphasized that the judicial system was established not to serve powerful individuals but to protect the rights of the innocent, helpless, and weak.

Justice Shahzad acknowledged the contributions of past jurists, including Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, Pakistan’s first Christian chief justice, and other notable justices like Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, Wajihuddin Ahmed, Nasir Aslam Zahid, and Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. He urged current and future jurists to continue their work towards realizing the dream of an independent judiciary in Pakistan.

The Chief Justice’s address underscored the need for unity among institutions and the importance of judicial independence. His remarks serve as a reminder of the judiciary’s crucial role in upholding justice and protecting the rights of all citizens, emphasizing a commitment to integrity and fairness in the judicial system.