Legal organizations in Islamabad have strongly opposed the recent transfers of judges, considering an attempt to divide the Judiciary and an act of bad faith. In response, lawyers have announced a complete strike and will hold a national convention at 11 am in the G-11 district court.
The announcement was held during a joint press conference by officials of the Islamabad Bar Association, the Bar Association of the Superior Court of Islamabad and the District Bar Association on Sunday.
Addressing the media, the president of the president of the Council of the Bar Association of Islamabad, Aleem Abbasi, declared that all representatives of the district and the lawyer associations of the Superior Court were present at the emergency meeting.
He condemned the recent transfers of three Judges to Islamabad by the Ministry of Law, declaring that the Bar Association unanimously rejects these appointments.
“These transfers are aimed at creating division within the Judiciary and are driven by Malintent. The lawyers will oppose this movement strongly, ”Abbasi emphasized.
In addition, he announced a complete strike of lawyers in Islamabad, stating that no lawyer would appear in any court tomorrow. He appealed to lawyers throughout Pakistan, as well as the Provincial Lawyers Councils, to join the protest in solidarity.
“This problem affects the entire legal community in Pakistan. We call on all associations and law advice throughout the country to support our cause, ”he said.
He also condemned the next meeting of the Judicial Commission scheduled for February 10, qualifying it as a law of bad intention. Abbasi demanded that all requests against the 26th constitutional amendment be heard urgently.
“The full bank of the Supreme Court must first govern on constitutional amendments before any additional procedure. The February 10 meeting must be canceled immediately, since it is politically motivated. This is not just a battle for lawyers; It is a struggle for the rule of law and judicial independence in the country, ”he said.
“The recent judicial appointments show a clear political bias. In the Superior Court of Sindh, members of a particular political party have been appointed, and similar actions are expected in the Superior Court of Lahore, ”he said.
President of the Bar Association of the Superior Court of Islamabad, Riasat Ali AzadHe declared that the decision to attack and hold a convention was unanimous. He questioned why a judge held 15 in the Superior Court of Lahore was being transferred, while a judge held 12 in Baluchistan was also being transferred.
“The Superior Court of Islamabad is being treated as a landfill for judges. How many appointments have been made of Islamabad to the provincial superior courts? The only “crime” of the Superior Court of Islamabad is its commitment to judicial independence, “he said.
Azad also said that the Superior Court of Islamabad was under siege, with ongoing efforts to undermine its credibility. “The judges here are making constitutional and legal decisions, but attempts are being made to submit to the judiciary,” he said. He called the public to remain with the legal community in his protest.
After the Convention, lawyers will also hold a protest demonstration. Azad criticized attempts to control several institutions, including the media through the PCA law, and warned that the Judiciary was now the following objective.
“The Judiciary must remain independent. The highest judge must be appointed president of the Supreme Court, as indicated in the 26th amendment. Continuous transfers and politically motivated appointments must stop, ”he demanded.
The president of the district’s lawyers association, Naeem Ali Gujar, echoed similar concerns, arguing that the legal community of Islamabad had historically played a key role in the defense of constitutional integrity. He criticized recent transfers, questioning their need and equity.
“We are not against any individual judge, but we defend the Judiciary and the Constitution. The government and the opposition should not undermine the legal system, ”said Naeem Ali.
