Chief Justice Ahmed’s Actions Against Strikes and Interference in Punjab Judiciary

Speaking at an event in Rawalpindi on Friday the CJ highlighted his immediate actions upon assuming office. I convened a full court meeting and decided that the culture of strikes would not be tolerated. On May 13 a circular was issued to the Punjab judiciary stating that we would not acknowledge any calls for strikes. Whether there is a strike call or not we will act according to the law he said.

On April 24 IHC judges unanimously acknowledged that intelligence agencies were interfering in their judicial functions.

Justice Ahmed praised the majority of the legal community noting that 90% of the lawyers are good people.

He revealed that over 200,000 cases were filed in Punjab and more than 300,000 cases were resolved significantly reducing the backlog of pending cases.

Addressing the issue of establishment interference he referred to historical instances starting with the Maulvi Tamizuddin case. Institutions involved in these interferences are better left unnamed. However, the judiciary is currently performing its duties without pressure he asserted.

He shared an inspiring story of a district judge who stood firm against such interference, saying I am not afraid; I will deliver justice without bias.

This judge’s courage Justice Ahmed remarked, made him feel immensely proud.

He also addressed the concerns of district judges who reported attempts at blackmail and interference.

He encouraged them not to succumb to such pressures, believing that divine guidance would support them. The end of establishment interference in the judiciary is part of my faith he concluded.