Islamabad: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah emphasized that Supreme Court orders must be implemented and cannot be disregarded. Speaking at an event addressing challenges in enforcing judicial decisions, he clarified that while he is the senior-most judge, he is not the acting Chief Justice of Pakistan. Justice Shah affirmed that Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa is in good health and leading the judiciary effectively.
Justice Shah stressed that failure to implement Supreme Court decisions would be unconstitutional. He highlighted that no entity has the option to ignore these decisions, as doing so would constitute a violation of the constitution.
Discussing minority rights, Justice Shah pointed out that the rights afforded to Muslims should equally apply to minorities, and there is no need for minorities to feel anxious. He noted that international reports about Pakistan’s treatment of minorities are concerning and require attention.
He referenced the historical contributions of minority judges in the judiciary and quoted Quranic verses to underscore the Islamic teachings on religious freedom. He recalled how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) safeguarded the rights of non-Muslims and ensured respect for their places of worship.
Justice Shah also noted that the Pakistani Constitution guarantees protections for minorities, specifically mentioning Articles 21, 22, 23, and 25. He reiterated that the Supreme Court had previously ensured a 5% quota for minorities and affirmed that all citizens of Pakistan have equal rights.
He called for increased interfaith dialogue and questioned why religious tolerance is not reciprocated, given that every religion traditionally promotes respect for others. Justice Shah highlighted the importance of adhering to the principles championed by leaders such as Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Guru Nanak, who advocated for respect and tolerance among different religions.
Supreme Court Orders Must Be Followed, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Asserts
