December 10, 2007

H.E. Robert Brinkley
High Commissioner
British High Commission
Diplomatic Enclave
Islamabad

Fax: +92-51-201-2043

Your Excellency,

I write in response to your statement, as reported in all newspapers  of the country, that "Britain is not demanding reinstatement of deposed judges,   as it was not going to happen and because unhappiness with  the judiciary was the central issue for emergency being imposed." You have further added that "Instead of demanding the restoration of the past position, we are asking for independent judiciary for the future."

As a self-r especting Pakistani, I find your position shocking and reprehensible, and your logic inherently flawed. You must be aware, as a senior diplomat residing in this country, that this "president" has launched a naked assault on the independence of the judiciary since he seized power. As you yourself point out, his unhappiness with the judges was the central issue to emergency being imposed. Do you expect the people of Pakistan to accept such a ridiculous reason - one man's unhappiness - as a valid cause for the suspension of the Constitution? If such a thing were to happen in your country, would you as a loyal citizen accept or endorse it, as you seem to have done in the case of Pakistan? Would you not raise your voice, as we do, for this glaring injustice to be reversed? Would you, as an upstanding citizen of a civilized country, accept as fait accompli a situation in which those who are loyal to their sworn oath are treated as common criminals, and those who commit treason are elevated to the highest offices of the State?

Sixty-six judges, all men of great intellect, honor and integrity stand deposed under this illegal emergency. These sixty-six judges are not merely individuals who fought for the independence of the judiciary they are the independence of the judiciary. The dregs that have & nbsp;been left behind to constitute the present benches merit no comment:  their own judgments since taking oath speak for them. Is this the "independent judiciary for the future" that Britain is asking for?

What Britain does or does not demand is ultimately not of concern to us.

We know that your wishes do not necessarily take into account the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. We are also keenly aware that this is our battle, not yours, nor do we expect any other nation to wage it for us. However, we do expect that as a representative of a civilized nation with a strong tradition of independence of judiciary and rule of law, you should respect our right to the same.

We sincerely hope that the statements that you are alleged to have made represents your individual view or the mistaken position of the British Government of the day, but not that of the British people.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Riaz I. Ahmed
Bromley Kent