Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar addresses a session of the National Assembly on Friday, April 19, 2024. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
ISLAMABAD:
The federal government-backed Independent Group has consolidated its influence within the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), securing a majority in the top lawyers’ regulatory body for the next five years in an election that carries far-reaching institutional and political implications.
Led by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ahsan Bhoon, Independent Group is a strong supporter of the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments.
Its dominance is also seen as a shot in the arm for the nascent Federal Constitutional Court, which is going through an initial phase marked by legal and administrative challenges.
Of the PBC’s 23 seats, the group won eight seats from Punjab, four from Sindh, two from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and one from Islamabad, allowing it to retain its old majority.
The election attracted increased attention due to the direct participation of key political and legal figures. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Salman Akram Raja participated in the elections and were elected members of the council.
Five members belonging to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have also been elected to the PBC. Farooq H Naek, considered one of the PPP’s top legal minds, has also secured a seat on the council.
The Independent Group, widely known as a pro-government bloc, has maintained its majority in the PBC since 2010.
Most PBC members appoint their representative to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), a constitutional body responsible for the appointment of judges.
Independent Group has exerted considerable influence in the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary, particularly the high courts, and its latest victory potentially strengthens its position to do so.
On the other hand, Professional Group, aligned with the PTI and a strong critic of the two constitutional amendments, failed to obtain a majority in the PBC poll. Although the group did well in provincial bar council elections, its momentum did not translate into success at the national level.
A member of the Professional Group said that shortly after the provincial bar council elections, the group was well positioned to secure a majority in the PBC. However, he alleged that the government used its influence over members of the provincial bar councils to influence support in the PBC elections.
However, members of the Independent Group rejected accusations of government interference. They said their leaders, Ahsan Bhoon and Azam Nazeer Tarar, remain accessible to members of the bar and actively address their concerns. “Our group believes in the well-being of the bar and this is the key to success,” said a member of the group.
Meanwhile, senior lawyers have expressed their joy over the election of renowned lawyer Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed to the PBC.
Salahuddin, who belongs to the Professional Group, is widely recognized as a strong advocate for judicial independence and the rule of law.
It is worth noting that Advocate Salahuddin Ahmed has served as counsel to Justice Qazi Faez Isa and six judges of the Islamabad High Court, and is currently representing the Supreme Court Press Association in a suo motu case relating to the protection of journalists.
