ISLAMABAD: During a convention hosted by the Supreme Court Bar Association , a call was made for nationwide strike action to be observed by bar associations on September 9. This strike is intended to uphold the rule of law, with the apex lawyers’ body also demanding the release of political detainees, an end to the military’s involvement in politics, and the implementation of effective measures to combat the economic crisis.
The All Pakistan Lawyers Convention, organized by the SCBA’s 25th Executive Committee at the SCBA complex, featured speeches from lawyers Hamid Khan, Latif Khosa, Aitzaz Ahsan, and SCBA President Abid Zuberi. Notably, the Pakistan Bar Council did not attend despite an invitation, as highlighted by Mr. Zuberi.
The convention passed a resolution advocating civilian supremacy and announced plans for peaceful protests, such as rallies and marches in bar associations, to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
The resolution emphasized that all institutions in Pakistan must strictly adhere to the Constitution, including the armed forces, which should refrain from engaging in political activities.
It also opposed civilian trials in military courts and called for the transfer of citizens held by military or intelligence agencies to civilian courts.
Furthermore, the resolution demanded the immediate release of citizens detained illegally or due to political affiliations and condemned the arrests, detentions, and harassment of women and advocates.
The SCBA also called for general elections within 90 days of assembly dissolution and urged enforcement of all judicial verdicts in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
Additionally, the resolution emphasized equality before the law for all citizens, the withdrawal of privileges for officeholders, and relief measures to address rising commodity prices.
The convention offered its platform for constructive dialogues to address the economic challenges.
‘Product of Constitution’
Veteran lawyer Hamid Khan asserted that the legal community will not tolerate any institution exceeding its constitutional boundaries. He emphasized that strict adherence to the law and the Constitution, along with the enforcement of fundamental rights, is the way forward for addressing the country’s current challenges.
Hamid Khan stated that the armed forces, being creatures of the Constitution, must remain confined within the boundaries set by it. He suggested that senior army officers should repeatedly review their oath of office, which mandates their commitment to preserving, protecting, and defending the Constitution while refraining from political activities or alleged political engineering.
SCBA President Abid Shahid Zuberi called for invoking Article 6 against the chief election commissioner for not complying with the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly elections on May 14. He also suggested that courts should lock their premises if they cannot implement their decisions, and he noted the absence of representation from the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) at the convention.
Sardar Latif Khosa urged contempt proceedings against the former prime minister, as well as the ministries of law, defense, and interior, for failing to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the Punjab assembly elections on May 14.
Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, in his speech, appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial to resolve the military court case before his retirement. He highlights its significance in determining the path of justice to follow.
