In Karachi, the legal fraternity boycotted court proceedings at City Courts Complex, High Court and Malir District Courts, forcing the adjournment of hundreds of cases.
The judges remained in their chambers and paralegal staff was also present at their stations but cases did not proceed after the Karachi Bar Association, Malir Bar and Sindh High Court Bar Association called for a boycott. They also held condolence meetings and references.
Several judges also joined the lawyers’ protest on Wednesday and demanded security for judges and lawyers. “Lawyers and judges are feeling very insecure after the incident, which can be taken as a sinister warning to the independent judiciary,” said Anwar Mansoor Khan, president of the Sindh High Court Bar Association.
In Sukkur, the black coats held a demonstration outside the district and sessions court. The lawyers criticised the government for failing to provide protection to the lives and property of people. They demanded the murderers be arrested.
Meanwhile, the high court bar association held a meeting under its general secretary Qurban Malano. Participants at the meeting also censured the government and condemned the murder of Justice Iqbal’s parents. They added that the high-profile assassination of former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer showed that the government had “lost its writ”. “If even the governors are not safe, then how can the rest of the public rest at ease?” the lawyers asked. They demanded the government to step down and accept its failure to protect the public. Lawyers in Hyderabad also boycotted court proceedings on Wednesday and all hearings were adjourned.
With additional input from PPI
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2011.
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