‘Free Press, judiciary vital to protect people’s rights’
LAHORE – Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that independent judiciary and free press are vital to the protection of rights of the people and growth of a healthy society. The judiciary will continue to discharge its constitutional obligations to safeguard the fundamental rights and liberties provided under the law to the people, said the chief justice during a meeting with senior columnists of the town at the office of the Supreme Court Bar Association here Saturday (Aug 19).
President SCBA Malik Muhammad Qayyum was also present on the occasion. Among the columnist included Attaur Rehman, Rehmat Ali Razi, Saeed Aasi, Dr Ajmal Niazi, Aftab Iqbal and Taufeeq Butt. The columnists brought to the notice of the chief justice the action taken by the government against Taufeeq Butt, whose columns, they said allegedly annoyed the Punjab government which through the estate officer, has now sought cancellation of the allotment of his house in GoR.
They urged the chief justice to take suo moto notice on the alleged action. They said the action of the government appeared to be a direct attack on the freedom of press so that the press could be subjected to its wishes. The chief justice assured the delegation of taking appropriate action under the law on this matter. President of the Bar Malik Muhammad Qayyum offered the columnists every legal help in this case. He said the SCBA was a strong believer in the freedom of press and freedom of expression and it would stand against any action, which aimed at caging either of the two.
Source: The Nation
Date:8/20/2006
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