Former Justice Athar Minallah has said that Pakistan is a democratic country and that the provision of rights on the basis of equality is the foundation of a strong state. Speaking at a special session on the final day of the three-day ThinkFest 2026 at Alhamra on Sunday, Justice (r) Athar Minallah said he was pleased to have delivered a judgment on animal rights, adding that there is no fundamental difference between cruelty toward animals and cruelty toward humans. He said both issues stem from the same mindset, a mindset that spreads oppression in society. Fundamental rights, he added, are enforced by the government within society, and the true strength of a society lies in equality. Athar Minallah clarified that problems arise when there is no democracy and when countries are run with an authoritarian mindset. He said Pakistan is a democratic country with a constitution and guaranteed fundamental rights, but these rights often remain only on paper. He questioned whether such written guarantees have any practical value in daily life, stating that an authoritarian system prevails, under which the common and poor people suffer the most. He said an authoritarian system is a sign of a weak state, not a strong one. He asked the audience to reflect on whether Pakistan is truly a democratic country or an authoritarian system. Referring to his judgment on the elephant Kaavan, he said many things were not written in the verdict because they would have been a source of embarrassment.
Authoritarian mindset weakens state, says former SC judge
Published on: January 26, 2026 2:48 AM