Bar council opposes reference against Justice Isa, vows to stand by him

Council members reiterate support in defence of judicial independence, rule of law and supremacy of constitution

The newly elected chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council's executive committee reiterated the legal fraternity's strong opposition against the presidential reference filed against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, on Friday.

In a statement, Azam Nazeer Tarar, the elected chairman, and Abid Saqi, vice chairman, expressed their resolve to strongly oppose the reference and defend Justice Isa's petition.

The officials claimed that they support Justice Isa's petition to protect the greater cause of the independence of the judiciary, rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution.

"The legal fraternity will never disappoint the people of Pakistan and even not hesitate in rendering any sacrifice, to protect the above objects," the officials assured in the statement.

The bar leaders also strongly condemned the 'increasing tendency of surveillance and harassment of judges of the superior judiciary to pressurise and subdue the judiciary in maintaining their independence while discharging their judicial responsibilities'.

They expressed grave concern on the continued victimisation of the political leadership of mainstream political parties, especially those in the Opposition, by the government through the National Accountability Bureau.

The PBC officials claimed the Opposition leaders were being victimised 'by being involved in politically motivated cases'.

They further emphasised on the need to consolidate the democratic process in the country, for which they claimed to have called upon the democratic forces across the country to play their effective role.

On June 9, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had also reiterated its stance of standing with Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

A meeting of SCBA executive committee, presided by its president Syed Qalb-i-Hassan, was held last week wherein a resolution was passed in favour of Justice Isa. Only two SCBA members didn’t endorse the resolution.