ISLAMABAD: Braving hurdles and security checkpoints, a large number of lawyers reached D-Chowk, Islamabad, on Monday, where they staged a sit-in demonstration against the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the appointment of new judges.
Calling on their fellow lawyers to join them, the protesters stated that their next course of action would be announced once more participants arrived.
Heightened Security Around Supreme Court
Authorities tightened security outside the Supreme Court in anticipation of the protest. A heavy police presence was deployed within the court premises, with only Margalla Road left open for access. Two layers of security were enforced outside the Supreme Court, while the metro bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi was partially suspended due to the unrest.
Despite lawyers’ requests to peacefully demonstrate within the Red Zone, authorities blocked key entry points, including Srinagar Highway, Nadra Chowk, and Serena Chowk.
Clashes with Law Enforcement
Tensions escalated when clashes broke out at Serena Chowk as lawyers attempted to forcibly enter the area. Meanwhile, lawyers from Sindh and Balochistan, joining the protest, blocked sections of Srinagar Highway as well.
Divisions Within the Legal Community
However, not all lawyer groups supported the protest. Several bar councils and associations distanced themselves from the demonstration, accusing certain factions of pursuing political motives.
In a joint statement, the Pakistan Bar Council, Supreme Court Bar Association, Punjab Bar Council, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council, Balochistan High Court Bar Association, and Sindh High Court Bar Association condemned the call for protests against the Judicial Commission.
