ISLAMABAD : Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Haroon Rasheed has voiced strong support for the establishment of new provinces in Pakistan, calling it a crucial step toward improved governance, economic development, and political stability.
Speaking at a full court reference held to honor the retirement of Justice Musarat Hilali, the SCBA president urged all political parties to unite on a common agenda and engage in meaningful, serious negotiations on all outstanding national issues.
“New provinces will lead to better governance, economic development and political stability,” Haroon Rasheed said, while addressing the distinguished gathering of Supreme Court judges and legal luminaries.
His remarks come amid longstanding debates over administrative reorganisation in the country, with various regions having demanded provincial status for decades to ensure better resource distribution and local autonomy.
In a significant remark, Haroon Rasheed also appealed to the President of Pakistan not to delay the approval of judicial appointments any further. He emphasized that timely appointments are essential for the smooth functioning of the judiciary and for upholding the rule of law.
The statement reflects growing concerns within the legal community over vacancies in superior courts and the constitutional delays in filling them.
Justice Musarat Hilali, who was given a warm send-off on her retirement, delivered an emotional address to the full court. She remarked that while judges come and go, the institution of justice will always prevail.
“Judges come and go but justice will always prevail,” said Justice Hilali, drawing applause from the assembled judges, lawyers, and court staff.
Her retirement marks the end of a distinguished tenure on the Supreme Court bench, during which she was known for her principled rulings and commitment to judicial integrity.
