Abdul Ghafoor Sarohi
DADU: Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, has said that constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and equal justice for all citizens are fundamental principles of Pakistan’s democratic system. He stressed that the law must apply equally to the powerful and the weak, and that access to justice should not be influenced by a citizen’s social status, political affiliation or financial resources.
He was addressing a ceremony held at Government Pir Elahi Bux Law College, Dadu, on the 51st death anniversary of the late Pir Elahi Bux, former chief minister of Sindh, prominent politician and a distinguished advocate of education.
Senator Farooq H. Naek paid tribute to Pir Elahi Bux for his educational, political and public services, describing his contributions as a valuable part of Sindh’s history. He said the late leader played an important role in promoting education, establishing higher educational institutions and advancing public welfare.
He highlighted that the promotion of education was among Pir Elahi Bux’s most significant and enduring contributions to Sindh. His efforts to improve primary education, encourage adult and women’s education, and support the establishment of the University of Sindh hold a special place in the province’s educational history. He also described the patronage of institutions such as Dow Medical College and S.M. Law College as evidence of his broad vision for education.
Senator Naek said legal education should not be limited to studying legal provisions and judicial decisions. It should also prepare lawyers who uphold professional integrity, constitutional principles and the requirements of justice. He urged young lawyers to use the law for public welfare and the protection of citizens’ rights rather than personal interests.
He added that lawyers have a responsibility not only to defend their clients’ rights but also to respect the courts, maintain professional ethics and remain loyal to the Constitution. Pakistan needs legal professionals who defend constitutional supremacy and the principles of justice rather than individuals.
Recalling his association with Government Pir Elahi 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 initiatives to introduce modern digital facilities, online lectures and cooperation with other educational institutions.
He said public-sector law colleges play an important role in expanding legal education and creating opportunities for students from diverse economic and social backgrounds. To ensure their success, he emphasized the need for quality teaching, competent faculty, legal research, practical training, moot courts and professional ethics.
Addressing young students, he urged them to study Pakistan’s Constitution, fundamental human rights and judgments of the superior courts in depth, while continuing to improve their academic and professional abilities. He said the quality of justice depended not only on the judicial system but also on the competence, integrity and courage of lawyers.
Senator Naek also appreciated former senior minister of Sindh Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, for his efforts to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy of education and public service. He also commended Barrister Pir Mujeeb-ul-Haq for his association with educational and legal institutions.
Concluding his address, he said strengthening education, constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and equal justice for all was an urgent national need. He expressed hope that Government Pir Elahi Bux Law College, Dadu, would continue to play an important role in producing capable lawyers, principled legal professionals and responsible citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, retired Justice Abdul Rasool Memon said that Pir Elahi Bux and his family had rendered numerous commendable services. He said the ceremony reflected the stature of Pir Elahi Bux, who had made lasting contributions to various sectors for the people of Sindh.
He described Pir Elahi Bux as a hero of Sindh, saying that during his tenure in government he helped establish valuable institutions across the province. He added that his successors, Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq and Pir Mujeeb-ul-Haq, were following in his footsteps by serving their constituency and the people of Sindh, particularly in the field of education.
Pakistan Peoples Party Dadu District President and Member of the Sindh Assembly Barrister Pir Mujeeb-ul-Haq said the institution was named after his late grandfather, Pir Elahi Bux, whose contributions to education and law were highly significant. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all distinguished guests who attended the ceremony.
He also praised Senator Farooq H. Naek for his notable contributions to the fields of law and justice.
Former Sindh Senior Minister for Education Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, Dadu District and Sessions Judge Zahid Hussain Maitlo, Deputy Commissioner Dadu Syed Murtaza Ali Shah and a large number of other personalities from different walks of life attended the ceremony.
