PADF Condemns Chief Justice’s Suspension

Pakistan American Democratic Forum (PADF), a US-wide organization of Pakistani-Americans has condemned the “Military Ruler of Pakistan General Pervaiz Musharraf for suspending the Chief justice of Pakistan Honorable Iftikhar Chaudhry.” In a press statement, the PADF stated: “PADF President Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Toor has questioned President’s authority and the underlying motives. PADF noted that General Musharraf himself came in to power by violating the Constitution and did not uphold the oath he took as an Army Officer.”
The PADF statement reads as follows:
“Pakistan American Democratic Forum condemns General Pervaiz Musharraf in strongest terms, for suspending the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court. PADF not only questions his authority but also underlying motives. PADF has noted that the Chief Justice had taken several measures using his authority under Suo Motto to do the independent investigations and inquiries whereas, the executive branch of the government including President and Prime Minister, either failed to take initiative to provide the justice and the protection to the citizens of Pakistan, protect the national assets and integrity of a civil society and or to prosecute the law-breakers, as well as the gross corruption and misconduct of the Musharraf government. It appears that Chief Justice is being suspended in an unprecedented fashion in retaliation of Chief Justice’s efforts to uphold the independence of the Courts and Justice system, in providing the protection of the law and maintaining the integrity of a just and civil society.”
The Pakistan-American Democratic Forum is a US-wide grassroots organization of Pakistani-Americans. It’s mission is to 1) help restore 1973 Constitution and functioning democracy in Pakistan, 2) help establish rule of law, due process, equal justice, accountability, transparency, good governance, women’s rights, minority rights, full literacy and economic prosperity in Pakistan, 3) protect and promote Pakistan’s vital interests in the United States, 4) defend civil and human rights of non-immigrant Pakistanis as well as Pakistani-Americans, 5) facilitate development of socio-political institutions and citizen efficacy, and 6) work for peace with justice in South Asia.

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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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