Pakistan, Feb. 24 -- Many, espousing causes of freedom and justice, quote an apocryphal anecdote, attributed to Winston Churchill (1874-1965). The British Prime Minister during WW II is said to have told a questioner that Britain wouldn't lose the war if its judiciary was dispensing justice.

This unconfirmed story is narrated to reinforce unwavering belief in the independence of the judiciary and the Rule of Law as cornerstones of a functioning democracy.

Tested on this litmus, Pakistan is, unfortunately, not likely to win any war - ever.

This is simply because even its highest court is not independent. It views violation of the Constitution with lenses of the Doctrine of Necessity, not the Rule of Law. It blatantly favours the strong,...