THE concept of relating the survival of a state with the financial and economic strength is important and, of course, has some bearing but more important is the role of the judiciary for the survival of the state.

Where the judiciary is powerful and is in a position to give justice to the citizen of the state, it gives a very straight message to international investors of assurance for the safety of their investment in the country.

Unfortunately, as a nation, we have failed to ensure the strength of the judiciary in real terms and due to many historical and psychological reasons we are in fact reluctant to see the judiciary as a powerful organ of the state.

If the authority of the judiciary is not respected, we should not expect any better prospects for our future generations.

It is the prime duty of the enlightened part of society to do whatever it can to strengthen this institution of the sate. If we compromise on this important aspect, we must not blame internal and external factors for the destruction of society and failure of our state.

It is time we played our role to strengthen the judiciary beyond our personal objective and other worldly gains. No doubt lawyers have very special duty in this regard but other members of civil society have their own role to play.

Let us start a new struggle for the strength of this important organ for the well-being of our future generation. Every citizen is equally responsible for this.

IMTIAZ HUSSAIN Karachi