Without independent–minded judges, the independence of judiciary cannot be a reality: Justice Athar Minallah

ISLAMABAD, April 27 (SABAH): About the conduct of a Judge, Supreme Court judge Justice Athar Minallah advised the judges to go through a Code of Conduct by Imam Anu Hanifa (RA) and act upon it. If the said Code of Conduct is observed by our judges, it can revolutionize our judiciary.”

Justice Athar Minallah expressed these views in a certificate –awarding ceremony held here at the Federal Judicial Academy at the conclusion of a two-week Federal Judicial Education Programme (FJEP) in which Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest on Saturday Justice Athar Minallah emphasized the need for independent judges adding that “we must nurture and nourish independent-minded judges, judges with a mindset of judge, to ensure judicial independence.

Justice Athar Minallah said, “A Judge should be independent. A judge should always be conscious of the fact that he/ she is not subordinate to anyone. A judge should always follow the law and not be influenced by anyone. Only an independent- minded judge can ensure the right to a fair trial and only an independent judiciary can enjoy confidence and trust of public. We must train them in such a manner as they become independent–minded judges. Judges must be individually and institutionally independent. Without independent-minded judges, the independence of judiciary cannot be a reality. “Lauding the content of the training course his lordship said, “For me the most impressive part of the training is a wise selection of subjects such as Crypto-currency, Artificial Intelligence, among others, which are the need of the hour.” Kudos to Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Advisor, FJA, and his FJA team now this Academy has gone global.

In the end, Justice Athar Minallah awarded certificates to the trainees- 30 Additional District and Sessions Judges and 30 Senior Civil Judges- congratulated them, and sounded optimism about their effective service delivery.

Earlier, DG of the Academy, Hayat Ali Shah said that despite paucity of resources, but under the visionary leadership of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, with an iron will and unflinching commitment of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, we have accomplished a few set goals within a brief span of time and striving ahead for the attainment of others on the roadmap as per mission and vision of the Academy.