Judges refusing oath under PCO are real judges, says deposed CJ

Tuesday November 06, 2007 (1712 PST)

Judges refusing oath under PCO are real judges, says deposed CJ Email Most Popular Print Add to Favorite Related Links Fazl demands immediate release of all arrested politicians and lawyers Karachi lawyers term oath taken by judges under PCO illegal SC nullifies decision of 7 former judges of apex court against imposition of emergency U.S. Ambassador calls for promised transition to civilian democratic rule, announcement of election schedule Journalists continue boycott of official events

ISLAMABAD: Deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that the judges who refused to take fresh oath under Provincial Constitutional Ordinance (PCO) are real judges.

 Addressing the rally via telephone taken out by lawyers under the aegis of Islamabad Bar Association against imposition of emergency rule, he urged lawyer fraternity throughout the country to continue their campaign for supremacy of judiciary.

Rejecting the accusation of President General Pervez Musharraf against apex court, he added, the judiciary had never been lenient towards terrorist. President took the step of emergency, as he feared that the Supreme Court will give verdict against him on his case challenging his candidature for the of Presidentship, Chief Justice maintained.   

The chief justice remained that the judges who had taken fresh oath under PCO are those judges included in the bench who gave verdict against lal mosque operation.  Justice Iftikhar showered praises on those brother judges both in the apex court and high courts who refused to take oath under PCO.

The lawyers, he added, have great responsibility on their shoulders and they must convey real messages towards the nation. The rulers have breached the constitution vehemently, he regretted.

The citizens of the country know how the supreme court provided justice to them, he said, adding that there is a time of sacrifice. The citizen should stand for supremacy of constitution. We should not be afraid of anyone instead of Great Almighty Allah, he told the participants.  

Office bearers of Islamabad Bar Association addressed the rally and made it clear that imposition of emergency rule and promulgation of PCO is unacceptable. Opposing of PCO and emergency would continue.        

 Earlier, the participants in the rally chanted slogans against emergency and PCO, besides continuing boycott of the courts.  The lawyers renewed their pledge not to appear before the judges who had taken fresh oath under PCO and also would not allow anyone to appear before these judges.

They vowed to continue their campaign till lifting of emergency and restoration of constitution