On Saturday, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, emphasized that adherence to the apex court’s decisions is not merely a tradition but a constitutional obligation.
Speaking at a ceremony on judicial challenges in Islamabad, Justice Shah highlighted that the authority of the Supreme Court is derived exclusively from the Constitution. He asserted that any failure to implement Supreme Court rulings disrupts the constitutional balance. “This is not a matter of tradition; it is a constitutional requirement,” he declared.
Justice Shah, who is set to become the next Chief Justice, reiterated that the Supreme Court’s authority is firmly rooted in the Constitution and not derived from any other source.
During the ceremony, which focused on the enforcement of judicial decisions and related challenges, Justice Shah also addressed the issue of protecting minority rights. He affirmed that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens, including minorities, and that the Supreme Court is committed to ensuring these rights are upheld.
Justice Shah emphasized that the Constitution provides strong protections for minorities, reflecting Pakistan’s dedication to tolerance and equality. He drew upon Quranic principles and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which advocate for the protection of religious freedoms and minority rights. “Our Constitution is designed to uphold equality and social justice, in accordance with Islamic principles,” he said.
He stressed the crucial role of the Supreme Court in enforcing judicial decisions and voiced his support for Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a colleague and friend. Justice Shah underscored the importance of adhering to constitutional directives to maintain the judicial system’s integrity.
In closing, Justice Shah reaffirmed that safeguarding minority rights is a core aspect of Pakistan’s Constitution, aligned with Islamic teachings and the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
