Larkana - Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr Justrice Anwer Zaheer Jamali on Saturday spelt out the menaces that have crippled the country in its about 70 years of existence, 30 years of which were spent under military dictators.

Addressing the District Bar of Larkana, the chief justice said the country was ruled by dictators for 30 years and, unfortunately, such leadership could not be evolved that would have led the country to the peak of development and growth.

“For the good governance and elimination of corruption and nepotism no one would descend from the heaven and only one among us must come forward to lead the nation,” he told the gathering. “If we correct our direction, we could overcome our pressing problems,” he maintained.

Justice Jamali further said if the country succeeded in fixing its flaws, then future generations would be able to keep abreast with the international community.

The chief justice also criticised the political leadership of the country saying, besides the 30 years of dictatorial rule, the country also remained a victim of excessive legislation. He said laws were moulded for personal purposes.

Justice Jamali also said no anti-corruption institution was properly functioning despite the fact that special laws were made to set up National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Anti Corruption Department.

“None of those institutions could fulfil its responsibilities to curb the corruption in the country,” the chief justice remarked.

He also said whenever action has been taken against anyone in the country, a powerful lobby comes forward to protect that corrupt individual.

CJP REFUSES TO ACCEPT ‘UNUSUAL’ GIFTS

Justice Jamali received an unusual gift on Saturday — a horse and a goat - which he eventually refused to accept.

The CJP was addressing the Larkana Bar Council, giving young lawyers advice on good living, “self-improvement and the drawbacks of 30 years of military rule.” As his address ended a brown horse accompanied by a white goat walked into the tent.

The well-bred horse and goat were an expensive gift that the bar had decided to present to the chief justice. One could see him smile, behind the white moustache and beard that covered his face.

As the horse was brought to the stage by its keeper, the chief justice patted it lovingly, but eventually refused the present. The reason - anything above the value of Rs10,000 presented to the chief justice has to be returned to the state treasury.

“I cannot possibly accept this present. But thanks a lot,” the chief justice said.

“If I accept the goat I will not be able to perform my duties as chief justice. Even at court I will wonder if I gave food to it, or took it out for grazing,” the chief justice said on a lighter note.

The chief justice was all praise for the animals. “It’s beautiful horse and goat. I will take pictures with them and put it up in my drawing room.”