'No individual has powers to amend Constitution'

Karachi, Feb 21: Sacked Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Thursday said that no individual has powers to amend the Constitution.

In a telephonic address to the Sindh High Court Bar, The News quoted Chaudhry as saying that parliament should not endorse the post November 3 measures taken by an individual, otherwise it would loose its prestige and encourage negative traditions. He said that if such steps were legitimized, than a police official would be in a position to pressurize judges to get favorable decisions in future.

He said that previous judges could be restored under an executive order in the same way as the new judges were appointed with an executive order under the PCO.

Chaudhry said that victory is near and added that the lawyers' movement would soon get the fruits of their struggle. He paid tribute to the lawyers and judges for their struggle.

Chaudhry's views came even as lawyers gathered outside Balochistan House in Islamabad to protest the continued incarceration of deposed judges and lawyers.

Heavy contingents of police have been deployed in the area with vehicles for tear-gassing and throwing water.

Police have been instructed to show fortitude. They have also received instructions to conduct a baton-charge should the protesters turn violent.

In Lahore, the Government of Punjab has decided to restrict Supreme Court Bar Association President Atizaz Ahsan to his residence till the completion of the transfer of power.

Interior Secretary Punjab Khusro Pervez told Geo News that the Government of Punjab had issued the order ahead of the expiry of his 30 day detention on March 2.

Atizaz had violated the official orders by coming out from his home on Wednesday, therefore, the government has decided to strictly implement the orders and for this, heavy police contingents have been deployed at his residence.

ANI