Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, has said that constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and equal justice for all citizens are fundamental principles of Pakistan’s democratic system.
Addressing a ceremony at Government Pir Ilahi Bux Law College, Dadu, marking the 51st death anniversary of former Sindh chief minister Pir Ilahi Bux, he said the law must apply equally to the powerful and the weak, and access to justice must not depend on a citizen’s social status, political affiliations or financial resources.
Senator Naek paid tribute to the late Pir Ilahi Bux for his contributions to education, politics and public service, saying his legacy continued to inspire generations in Sindh. He highlighted Pir Ilahi Bux’s efforts to promote education, establish educational institutions and improve public welfare. Describing education as one of Pir Ilahi Bux’s most enduring contributions to Sindh, Senator Naek highlighted his initiatives to promote elementary education and encourage adult and women’s education. He also underscored his role in efforts to establish the University of Sindh and his support for institutions such as Dow Medical College and S.M. Law College.
He said legal education must go beyond the study of statutes and judicial decisions and prepare lawyers who uphold professional integrity, constitutional principles and the requirements of justice. Young lawyers, he said, should use their legal knowledge to protect citizens’ rights and serve the public interest rather than pursue personal gain.
Senator Naek stressed that lawyers must defend their clients’ rights while respecting the courts, adhering to professional ethics and remaining faithful to the Constitution. Pakistan needs legal professionals who defend constitutional supremacy and the principles of justice rather than the interests of individuals, he added.
Recalling his personal association with Government Pir Ilahi Bux Law College, Dadu, Senator Naek said he had the honour of inaugurating the college’s present building in 2012 while serving as Federal Minister for Law and Justice. He appreciated the institution’s modern digital facilities, online lectures and initiatives to strengthen cooperation with other educational institutions.
He said the expansion of public-sector law colleges was important for broadening access to legal education and creating opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. However, he emphasised that their success should also be measured by the quality of teaching, availability of qualified faculty, access to legal research, practical training, moot courts and professional ethics. Urging students to study the Constitution of Pakistan, fundamental rights and judgments of the superior courts, Senator Naek said they must continuously strengthen their academic and professional abilities. The quality of justice, he noted, depended not only on the judicial system but also on the competence, integrity and courage of lawyers.
Senator Naek appreciated the efforts of Pir Mazhar ul Haq, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court and former senior minister of Sindh, to carry forward his grandfather’s educational and public-service legacy. He also acknowledged Barrister Pir Mujeeb ul Haq’s association with educational and legal institutions.
Concluding his address, Senator Naek emphasised that strengthening education, constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and equal justice for all remained essential for Pakistan’s democratic future. He expressed hope that Government Pir Ilahi Bux Law College, Dadu, would continue to produce competent lawyers, principled legal professionals and responsible citizens.
Addressing the ceremony, retired Justice Abdul Rasool Memon said that the services rendered by Pir Illahi Bux and his family are numerous and highly commendable. He said that today’s ceremony reflects the greatness of Pir Illahi Bux, who rendered unforgettable services to the people of Sindh in various fields.
He described Pir Illahi Bux as a hero of Sindh who established outstanding institutions across the province during his tenure as minister. He added that his successors, Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq and Pir Mujeeb-ul-Haq, are also following in his footsteps by continuing to serve the people of their constituency and Sindh, particularly in the field of education.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Dadu District President and Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), Barrister Pir Mujeeb-ul-Haq, said that the institution is named after his grandfather, the late Pir Illahi Bux, whose contributions to education and law remain remarkable. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all distinguished guests for attending the ceremony.
He also appreciated the valuable contributions of Senator Farooq H. Naek, describing him as one of the country’s distinguished legal experts who has rendered commendable services in the field of law and justice. Former Senior Minister for Education Sindh Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, District and Sessions Judge Dadu Zahid Hussain Maitlo, Deputy Commissioner Dadu Syed Murtaza Ali Shah and a large number of distinguished personalities from different walks of life attended the ceremony.