{
  "id": 19596037,
  "title": "Parliament must protect judicial independence, says outgoing Justice Mandokhail",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/parliament-must-protect-judicial-independence-says-outgoing-justice",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T03:45:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2043997/parliament-must-protect-judicial-independence-says-outgoing-justice-mandokhail"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail cautioned that parliament must refrain from undermining judicial independence, asserting that an independent judiciary is crucial for safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights. He warned that a compromised judiciary could lead to anarchy, as it would enable the law to become subservient to the will of the powerful, resulting in selective and biased application rather than impartiality. Mandokhail emphasized that safeguarding judicial independence is a collective responsibility of parliament, the judiciary, and the executive. He cautioned that without an independent judiciary, political dissenters and critics could be targeted while systematic corruption and human rights abuses would go unchecked. The outgoing judge stressed that the Constitution serves as a boundary, prescribing what each organ of the state may and may not do, with the judiciary's role being to uphold the Constitution faithfully. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi praised Mandokhail for his distinguished career and commitment to justice, highlighting his contributions to constitutional jurisprudence and judicial administration.",
  "summary": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2043902",
  "key_points": [
    "Justice Mandokhail warns parliament must protect judicial independence.",
    "Independent judiciary crucial for safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights.",
    "Without independence, political dissenters could be targeted and corruption unchecked."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Protecting the judiciary from legislative interference serves as the primary defense against systemic corruption and the targeted suppression of political dissenters by those in power.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}