ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Sunday said it was important that the judiciary exercises judicial restraint so that it may not be perceived as excessively encroaching upon the roles and functions of the coordinate branches of the government.

Addressing the audience at the concluding session of the International Judicial Conference 2012 at the Supreme Court auditorium, the CJP said the conference had recommended that the judiciary recognizes that its primary duty lies in interpreting and implementing laws and not in the governance of society which may come about only as an ancillary effect of its decisions.

“It is further recommended that the superior courts articulate a consistent and clearly defined doctrine of judicial review so that depending on the nature and context of the rights involved, relevant standards of review may be applied”.

He said that it has also been proposed that a Code of Conduct may be devised for judicial officers and also be strictly enforced. In dealing with complex commercial issues it is suggested that the judiciary relies on and utilises expert knowledge and opinion so that a more informed verdict may be reached.

Declaring the formal proceedings of the International Judicial Conference, 2012 coming to an end, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry expressed gratitude to all the participants, especially, the eminent delegates from foreign countries, who had attended the Conference.

“No doubt, the justice delivery system not only in Pakistan, but the entire world over is confronted with the issues of pendency of cases and backlogs, and consequential delays in dispensation of justice”.

He said the conference has provided a wonderful platform and a unique opportunity to the prudent and judicious minds of the judicial and legal fraternities to sit together and come up with suggestions and solutions, which should be something close to panacea for all ills and difficulties afflicting the system of administration of justice.

“The role of judiciary like other organs of the State is crucial in achieving the dream of a peaceful and prosperous life on this planet. Role of the lawyers in any society is very prominent. It is no exaggeration to say that the lawyers have been at the forefront in every democratic, legal and constitutional movement,” he added.