Societal aberrations such as intolerance and violence stem from a host of human failings which are consequence of racial prejudices, gender bias, sectarian or ethnic obsessions, religious intolerance or provincial bias. These anomalies if not addressed properly, destabilize the nations. Many constitutions of the world including the Constitution of Pakistan provide comprehensive provisions to encourage and develop a culture of tolerance. The culture of intolerance, hatred and frustration can only be eliminated with the realization of justice in its true sense.

One important ingredient in substantive democracy is tolerance. Courts must protect democracy in all its aspects, formal and substantive i.e. the rule of majority and the rule of values, it is necessary to maintain a balance between these two aspects. Through persuasive interpretation Courts make the Constitution a living document and thereby transmit the seminal values enshrined therein to promote and develop a culture of tolerance.

The International Judicial Conference 2012 will provide a forum to review existing role of judiciary in promotion of a culture of tolerance as to how it could be enhanced.