ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah maintained that criticism improves judges, but also spoke about its ineffectiveness on judiciary.

"We will also be accountable. We are not scared of criticism," Chief Justice reiterated after inaugurating and laying foundation of Legal Facilitation Centre of Islamabad High Court's newly-constructed building. Ceremony was attended by newly-appointed Law Minister Ayaz Sadiq, former law minister Azam Nazir Tarar, high court judges and session judges. Justice Minallah admitted that judiciary is facing several challenges.

"We cannot change 70-year-old system with a magic wand. There is a need to strengthen justice system through reforms. I hope state will fulfil its promise to provide inexpensive justice to citizens," he said, stressing on need to change system.

In relation to reform system, IHC CJ informed that he has done the paperwork and has taken federal government on board. He congratulated lawyers, highlighting that these buildings are meaningless if petitioners do not get inexpensive and expeditious justice. "Our existence is for petitioner. Are we trusted by petitioner as we should be?" Chief Justice told lawyers, admitting that it is not case. He requested political leaders to play their role in restoring public trust. IHC's top judge shared that he found out through Article 7 that there is no mention of judiciary in state's interpretation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 03 2022

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