Mirpurkhas: Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput has said that justice is the foundation of a strong, peaceful and balanced society, adding that without justice, neither citizens’ rights can be protected nor an atmosphere of trust can be established in society.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held here for the oath-taking of the newly elected office-bearers of the Sindh High Court Bar and District Bar Association Mirpurkhas.
Justice Rajput said justice was the essence of all moral values as it supported vulnerable segments of society and kept the authority of powerful individuals within the bounds of law.
Quoting Hazrat Ali (RA), he said, ‘A state may survive with disbelief, but it cannot survive with oppression.’The chief justice said an organized government and an effective judicial system were essential for protecting life, property and rights of citizens and ensuring access to justice for everyone.
He said depriving people of access to justice led to social decline and increased unrest, while a strong justice system was indispensable for the unity and integrity of the state.
Speaking about the role of lawyers, the CJ said an advocate worked in the best interest of a client through proper legal procedures and also guided the public about their rights and available legal remedies.
He urged lawyers to discharge their professional responsibilities with honesty, integrity and high ethical standards, while respecting the court and the justice system.
The chief justice described Mirpurkhas as the ‘gateway to Thar’ and said Thar was his identity and soul. He said Justice Jan Ali Junejo belonged to Mirpurkhas while woman judge Justice Mahmooda Sultan Mahmood hailed from Diplo, Tharparkar. Later, he administered oath to the newly elected office-bearers. SHC Judges Justice Riazat Ali Sahar, Justice Muhammad Humayun Khan and Justice Khalid Hussain Shahani, members of Pakistan Bar Council and Sindh Bar Council and a large number of lawyers attended the ceremony.