Lahore: Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah has emphasized that the inability to enforce judicial decisions poses a threat to the very existence of courts. Speaking at an event on animal rights in Lahore, he underlined the challenges faced by the judiciary in ensuring compliance with its rulings.
Justice Minallah noted that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has been at the forefront of addressing human rights issues, including cases of enforced disappearances, and delivering landmark judgments on fundamental rights. However, he stressed that courts are rendered vulnerable if their decisions are not implemented.
Recalling the story of a three-year-old elephant brought from Sri Lanka during General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, he lamented the lack of compassion for animals. “Elephants, like humans, are emotional beings. The elephant calf was confined in inadequate conditions until the decision to establish a zoo in Islamabad was made,” he said.
Justice Minallah expressed his understanding of the emotional toll of enforced disappearances, describing the profound pain endured by families when a loved one is forcibly taken. Reflecting on Pakistan’s history, he highlighted the use of the judiciary during undemocratic regimes, including the unconstitutional removal and execution of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He described General Zia’s era as one of the darkest, marked by torture cells and widespread human rights violations.
Addressing the neglect of animal rights, Justice Minallah called for their protection, asserting that a society failing to safeguard human rights is unlikely to care for animals. He criticized the inconsistent application of the law, attributing it to varying case circumstances rather than judicial bias.
The judge also lamented the loss of Islamabad’s natural beauty, particularly in Bani Gala, which was once identified as an ideal habitat for animals. He blamed elite encroachments for tarnishing its ecological value.
Justice Minallah concluded by emphasizing the importance of education aligned with reality, noting discrepancies in how subjects like wildlife are taught in schools compared to their true nature. He urged a renewed commitment to protecting the environment, animals, and fundamental human rights.
Source: The COW News
