RAWALPINDI: Deposed chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that November 3, 2007 was an important day in the country's history.
Addressing the Lawyers' Convention here on Monday, deposed chief justice said that lawyers and civil society had launched a movement for supremacy of law and constitution on March 9, 2007, adding Almighty gave success to the movement.
Justice Chaudhry termed the November 3, 2007 action as a Martial Law in the country. He noted there was a difference in November 3 and previous Martial Laws. No Assembly has endorsed the martial law enforced on November 3, he added.
"I am confident that present assembly will not endorse this martial law," said deposed chief justice, adding government, opposition, lawyers, politicians and other section of the society have now realised that supremacy of law and constitution is must for the country.
He further said that it was very unfortunate that democratic governments could rule the country for 24 years only. Judiciary was also responsible for backing the dictatorship in the country, he said.
He revealed that former premier Shaukat Aziz had conveyed to him about former president Pervez Musharraf's anger on verdict given in Steel Mills case. The deposed chief justice said that he had replied that verdicts would be given according to the law and constitution only.
He said that media highlighted the verdict of Pakistan Steel Mills in a positive manner due to which the credibility of Supreme Court was restored. "Whatever happened to me in the Army House is nothing new for people," he said.
Justice Chaudhry said that Supreme Court gave its verdict on July 20, 2007 after which all government's hopes attached to the top court faded away. "I was conveyed through some friends that rulers wanted to restore good ties with me," he said, adding I was also told that Musharraf wanted to meet me, but I turned down his request several times.
Deposed chief justice further said Musharraf made several attempts to meet me that continued from July 20 to November 3, 2007. During this period, he said, four important cases were admitted to the Supreme Court including return of exiled leaders, voters' lists case filed by slain PPP leader Benazir Bhutto, president's case and fourth case was about his uniform.