CJ stresses alternative ways of resolving disputes in rural areas

CJP Jamali says differentiation between truth and lies, Haram and Halal, waning from society; says no flaw in judicial system

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali on Saturday said there is need to promote alternative ways of resolving disputes in the country, particularly in the rural areas.

“There are tons of cases pending in Pakistan. The judicial procedure may be complicated for the people but there is no imperfection in our existing judicial system as the same system is working quite well in other parts of the world,” Justice Jamali said, adding that unhealthy criticism of the judiciary reflects the unrealistic thinking of the critics.

Justice Jamali said an independent judiciary is working in Pakistan and there is no flaw in the judicial system. Addressing a seminar on mediation organised by the National Centre for Dispute Resolution (NCDR) here, the chief justice said a little conflict can become a big dispute, adding that many crimes could take place if a little conflict is not resolved in time. 

He said unfortunately differentiation between truth and falsehood and Halal and Haram is waning from the society. He said the court’s orders are not implemented in their true letter and spirit. “We are part of the society which lacks fear of God. Instead of implementing the court’s orders, a method is adopted to escape it,” he said.

“The judiciary is independent and its every member is working with full devotion,” the chief justice said. Justice Jamali hailed the efforts of the NCDR for providing an alternative way to the people to sort out their conflicts and disputes with mutual understanding. He said the NCDR aims to give an option to the people for resolving their issues through negotiations.

He urged the state and other institutions to play their role for the resolution of disputes and conflicts with mutual understanding so that the people could be restrained from approaching other resources like Jirgas and Panchayats. The chief justice said that the NCDR is working brilliantly in the rural areas but there is need to provide such options in the urban areas as well. He urged the electronic and print media to make people aware and play their positive role in this regard.