Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan made a surprise visit to Chaudhry’s TKC in Southall.

Such is the interest in this man, that at very short notice, Chaudhry’s TKC was full of people eager to listen to him. He made the following comment during his speech on Sunday at 7.30 pm.

The late Benazir Bhutto said of Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary "This is my Chief Justice." Yet her husband and son do not share the same sentiments. What a way to honour a dead martyr.

She also said that I will not form a coalition government with maulana Fazal Rehman as he was an ally of President Musharraf, yet her husband has no such qualms.

I am aware that Pakistanis living abroad are more concerned and disturbed by what is happening in Pakistan than those in Pakistan.

People are well aware of the facts but I will repeat them. The first question that is always asked is, 41 of the 60 deposed judges took new oath under the new constitution. 3 or 4 of them retired. There are only 7 or 8 judges left. Why make a lot of fuss over them? What is the point of it? There are more pressing issues like fuel and food shortages and prices.

We are not stopping any one from take the necessary measures. In fact, we want to tackle these issues.

The second question thrown at us is, what difference will it make and that that we should be dealing with terrorism?

I have said to Asif Zardari and other ministers, that the most effective weapon against terrorism is not high technology weapons, laser missiles, remote missiles, patriot missiles or F16’s. The most effective weapon is "empowered citizens."

Terrorism is not related to religion. It is due to occupation and is not committed by Muslims alone. Examples of the IRA, the Basque Separatists, Tamil Tigers and the Middle East were cited.

You need a population with enforceable rights, not a mere piece of paper.

The third question is, how do you improve living standards.

Why do Pakistan expatriates invest in India and not Pakistan? Because they are afraid of the Pakistan institutions, taxation and do not expect any justice. They do not feel that their investment would be safe in Pakistan.

Investment in the infrastructure will lead to better living standards. You need brave judges for this. This is the difference between the current Chief Justice and the deposed Chief Justice.

We are fighting for empowerment, investment and better quality of life. This cannot happen overnight. Things will improve slowly.

But Pakistan cannot prosper on hand out and charity. Investment is needed for that.

In recognition of his efforts to uphold the independence of Pakistan's judiciary, in October 2007, the New York City Bar Association bestowed one of its highest honours - "honorary membership" - upon deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

The Harvard Law School has awarded, its highest honour, the Medal of Freedom to Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary for work to uphold the legal system’s fundamental commitment to freedom, justice, and equality. This has only been awarded to two other individuals, one being former South African President Nelson Mandela

The Chief Justice of Pakistan was put under house arrest for 5 months along with his disabled child. He commented that the military people were very desperate to cling onto power. My advice to him was that there was no need to be afraid as you are not alone. We are with you.

His 103 judgments show that he had zero tolerance for corruption, environmental degradation and human right abuses.

The Lawyers movements decision to march was taken by all the 200 bar associations, that is 400 individuals (the chairmen and vice-chairmen). They were aware that they would be in the open and have to put up with 15 hours of direct summer sun glare.

People asked us “What will your march achieve? It was a peaceful march by lawyers accompanied by their families presenting the peoples demands. A sit in was not planned. There were no toilet facilities there for a start.

Our slogan was “We are marching to save the Country. Come and join us.”

40 thousands lawyers and their families have suffered great hardship and brutality to stand up for these judges. Severe beatings and acid attacks on them were all too common.

When most of the judges took oaths under the new constitution, this affected our movement and reduced the pressure on the government.

Has our movement run out of steam? Nothing travels at the same pace all the time. We will build the tempo again. May be a long march in February or March 2009.

VisitSouthall comment:
If the Chief Justice of Pakistan cannot get justice in Pakistan, who can?