# *Detailed SUMMARY of the Article "Absent Justice," Dawn, February 2nd, 2025*: The article highlights the alarming state of judicial independence in Pakistan, focusing on the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges' concerns regarding external interference. Despite their strong reservations, President Asif Zardari proceeded with the controversial appointment of judges, raising fears that these relocations are politically motivated. The judiciary's subjugation to executive influence has been evident in past instances, such as the denial of a Supreme Court justice’s promotion due to their refusal to align with the ruling regime. The trend of judicial manipulation undermines public trust and threatens the impartiality of legal institutions. The editorial warns that continued encroachments on judicial independence may lead to dire consequences, as unchecked political interference risks pushing the country towards authoritarianism. It emphasizes that justice is crucial for societal stability, and Pakistan must prevent further erosion of its legal system to avoid social and institutional collapse. The article urges the judiciary to reclaim its authority and resist external pressures to ensure fairness and justice for all. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: The article discusses the growing threat to judicial independence in Pakistan, particularly in the Islamabad High Court. Despite judges’ objections, President Asif Zardari appointed new judges, raising concerns about political interference in the judiciary. Similar actions in the past have weakened trust in the legal system. The article warns that continued political control over the judiciary could lead to authoritarianism and social unrest. It stresses the importance of an independent judiciary for a fair and just society and urges the legal system to resist political pressure. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## Strengthening Judicial Independence Ensure judicial appointments are based on merit rather than political influence, safeguarding the judiciary from external pressure. ## Transparency in Appointments Make the process of judicial appointments more transparent to prevent favoritism and ensure fairness in selecting judges. ## Judicial Oversight Mechanisms Establish independent oversight committees to monitor judicial decisions and protect judges from undue political influence. ## Legal Reforms for Judicial Autonomy Introduce legal reforms that reinforce the separation of powers and prevent executive interference in judicial matters. ## Empowering the Bar Council Strengthen bar associations to act as watchdogs against any attempts to undermine judicial independence. ## Public Awareness Campaigns Educate the public on the importance of judicial independence to encourage civic engagement and demand accountability. ## International Monitoring and Support Seek guidance from international legal bodies to implement best practices for maintaining an independent judiciary. ## Strengthening Institutional Integrity Enhance internal judicial accountability to ensure fair rulings without fear of external consequences. ## Encouraging Whistleblower Protections Provide legal protection for whistleblowers within the judiciary who expose undue interference or corruption. ## Reaffirming Constitutional Supremacy Uphold the supremacy of the constitution by strictly adhering to legal frameworks that prevent judicial manipulation. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the Article*: - Islamabad High Court judges expressed strong reservations against judicial appointments, which were ignored. - A Supreme Court justice was denied promotion for not aligning with the ruling regime’s stance in a key case. - The judiciary is allegedly being reshaped to secure political continuity and suppress independent rulings. - Political interference in the judiciary risks pushing Pakistan towards authoritarian rule and societal breakdown. # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What concern did the Islamabad High Court judges express?* A. Lack of resources in the judiciary B. Rising crime rates in Islamabad *C. Political interference in judicial appointments* D. Corruption within the judiciary ### 2. *Why was a Supreme Court justice allegedly denied promotion?* A. Due to allegations of corruption *B. For refusing to align with the ruling regime’s stance in a key case* C. Because of health issues D. Due to opposition from other judges ### 3. *What does the article warn against if judicial independence continues to decline?* A. Increased foreign investment B. Strengthening of democracy *C. A slide towards authoritarianism and social unrest* D. Higher judicial salaries ### 4. *What solution does the article suggest for preventing judicial manipulation?* A. Increasing political involvement in judicial decisions *B. Ensuring judicial appointments are based on merit and transparency* C. Reducing public engagement in legal matters D. Limiting the role of the judiciary in political cases ### 5. *What is considered essential for societal stability, according to the article?* A. Political control over the judiciary B. Strengthening military oversight *C. Ensuring justice and judicial independence* D. Reducing international involvement in legal affairs # *VOCABULARY*: 1. **Judicial Independence** (noun) (عدالتی خودمختاری): The ability of the judiciary to make decisions free from external pressures. 2. **Subjugation** (noun) (اطاعت کروانا): The act of bringing someone or something under control. 3. **Encroachments** (noun) (دراندازی): Gradual intrusion or violation of rights. 4. **Totalitarianism** (noun) (مطلق العنانیت): A system of government where the state has total control over all aspects of life. 5. **Tyranny** (noun) (ظلم و ستم): Cruel and oppressive government or rule. 6. **Merit-based** (adjective) (میرٹ پر مبنی): Based on ability or achievement rather than favoritism. 7. **Oversight** (noun) (نگرانی): The act of supervising or monitoring activities to ensure proper conduct. 8. **Revert** (verb) (واپس آنا): Return to a previous state or condition. 9. **Constitutional Supremacy** (noun) (آئینی بالادستی): The principle that the constitution is the highest law in a country. 10. **Whistleblower** (noun) (راز فاش کرنے والا): A person who exposes illegal or unethical activity. 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. Please be reminded not to remove the attribution label affixed to this article. It is crucial to acknowledge the source and the effort invested in creating this summary. We discourage any unauthorized distribution without proper credit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔍 ⚡ *Explore More Summaries, Solutions, and Vocabulary Meanings!* 💡 Join our WhatsApp Channel for timely and comprehensive summaries of the latest articles, along with well-crafted solutions and helpful vocabulary meanings. Click the link below to join now: 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y dawn.com Absent justice Editorial 3–4 minutes THE judges of the Islamabad High Court had issued an SOS. It was swept aside with customary disdain. Though five judges of the court had, through a letter, expressed strong reservations about a plan to transplant judges in the IHC from other courts, President Asif Zardari did just that late Saturday. It remains to be seen whether one of the relocated judges will also end up as chief justice of the IHC, as had been feared. Given the government’s bent, it would not be a surprise. It had long been anticipated that the IHC and its judges would be penalised at an opportune time for complaining to the former CJP against the establishment’s meddling in court affairs. If the senior-most judges are so helpless, what hope does the common citizen have? Who do ordinary Pakistanis turn to for justice, when it is becoming increasingly clear that even those supposed to uphold it do not have any for themselves? The judges’ fears, expressed in the letter, were never unfounded. The nation had witnessed a capable Supreme Court justice being denied a well-deserved promotion, apparently only because of their refusal to agree with the position taken by the ruling regime in a key case. Other developments — especially regarding the fixing of important cases and major appointments — further cemented perceptions that the judiciary was being consciously remoulded to guarantee the continuity of the status quo. The president’s decision merely affirms the trend. However, the ruling regime will not always be able to push everyone standing in its path against the wall. There will come a time when reactions will not be limited to mere letters and protestations. The laws of nature suggest that all systems eventually revert to their mean position. And so, at some point, the architects of Pakistan’s present-day policies will confront the consequences of their decisions. How those consequences play out will depend on what strength remains in the state’s institutions. Right now, all roads seem to lead to dystopia; to an oppressive future characterised by totalitarianism and general tyranny. This may seem like an overly gloomy prognosis to some. Realistically, however, it is difficult to expect much from a system that is gradually becoming completely divorced from any objective measure of fairness. There is a reason justice is such a cherished ideal in all stable societies: it allows their systems to correct course quickly and without incurring painful costs. Pakistan needs its judiciary to be able to ensure justice for its citizens. Without public faith in its justice system, it runs the risk of accelerated social breakdown. A nation so young and so full of potential should not be bled of its hopes for a fairer future. The gradual slide towards anarchy must be reversed. Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2025