LAHORE: Lawyers’ associations throughout Pakistan are staging a nationwide strike in protest of the alleged violence against lawyers in Lahore on Wednesday. Concurrently, a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed regarding the clash between police and lawyers at Lahore’s GPO Chowk.
The Pakistan Bar Council’s call for action comes amidst ongoing protests within the legal community regarding the division of civil courts in Lahore.
In Lahore, the focal point of the protests, legal organizations are observing a strike to condemn the violence against their colleagues. A joint general assembly is underway at the Lahore High Court Bar, with leaders from various legal entities, including the PBC and Punjab Bar Council, convening to discuss future strategies.
Under the chairmanship of LHC Bar President Asad Manzoor Butt and attended by Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Kamran Bashir Mughal, the meeting aims to formulate a unified strategy to address the challenges faced by the legal fraternity. Deliberations focus on denouncing recent acts of violence and outlining advocacy efforts going forward.
FIR Registration:
Simultaneously, an FIR has been lodged regarding the GPO Chowk altercation, citing roadblocks, vandalism, and interference in government duties. The report alleges that a significant number of lawyers assaulted the police, resulting in injuries to five officers.
Nationwide Strikes:
Elsewhere, in Islamabad, lawyers are absent from district courts, causing inconvenience to litigants. Despite a heavy police presence, court proceedings are being adjourned due to the absence of lawyers. Similar scenes are unfolding in Chichawatni, Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi, where lawyers are united in condemning the violence in Lahore. Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lawyers are boycotting court appearances, with plans for nationwide protests if their colleagues are not released.
Demand for Justice:
The nationwide strike by the Pakistan Bar Council underscores the demand for justice and accountability. Legal bodies urge courts to support their cause by adjourning hearings until their demands are met. As lawyers stand together against violence and injustice, their collective voice resonates across Pakistan, calling for swift action to protect the rights and dignity of legal professionals.
Violent Confrontation:
On Wednesday, tensions erupted at GPO Chowk outside the Lahore High Court as lawyers protested the proposed division of civil courts and terrorism cases against the legal fraternity. The protest turned violent when participants tried to enter the high court premises, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Tear gas and baton charges were used to disperse the crowd, escalating the situation further.
