Daily Times

Sir: The superior judiciary of Pakistan headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has become a thorn in the side of those who want rampant corruption in this country. All of them, from the biggest land and drug mafia dons, to the corrupt civil and uniformed bureaucracy and members of the ruling political coalition, have got together to scandalise the reputation and credibility of the sole institution of this country in which people have faith. Had it not been for our judiciary, the rental power projects would have continued receiving billions without producing any electricity and this country would have become an economic nightmare, heading for turning into another Somalia. The decision on dual membership has put obstacles in the way of economic subjugation and colonisation of Pakistan by those who have pledged their loyalty and allegiance to another country, yet occupy important public office. We live in a state that remains unmoved when thousands are killed in target killings, hundreds are kidnapped for ransom, and where extortion has become a booming business. This country is arranging the payment of ransom to Somali pirates in violation of the UN charter and Security Council resolutions, which clearly do not recommend such payments. We need to remember that it was a singular act of defiance by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to a tin pot dictator that set into motion a chain of events that led to the latter’s forced exit. This is a conspiracy by the corrupt to malign the role of the Supreme Court and replace it with a more subservient set up, which should never be allowed to succeed.

MALIK TARIQ ALI

Lahore