CJP promises to take up lawyers issues

Punjab bar council tells Justice Gulzar action taken against errant lawyers

ISLAMABAD:

An eight-member delegation of the Punjab Bar Council led by its Vice Chairman Advocate Farhan Shehzad called on Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed at the Supreme Court.

According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court, CJP welcomed the members of the Bar and said that it was the responsibility of the Bar to assist in the delivery of justice so that the judiciary could decide cases expeditiously in accordance with the law.

CJP said that advocacy is one of the respected professions, so lawyers should respect judges and conduct cases on merit, keeping in mind the dignity, respect and integrity of their profession.

During the meeting, VC Punjab Bar Council Advocate Farhan Shehzad also invited the Chief Justice to attend a seminar organized by the Council on December 3 in Lahore to which Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that I am associated with the legal profession, so I always accept such invitations from Bar Councils.

CJP shared his professional experiences with the delegation. VC Farhan Shehzad expressed his opinions on certain issues relating to the legal fraternity before the Chief Justice. He said that there have been problems on part of the lawyers but they should not be subject to terrorism provisions in cases.

The VC further informed the CJP that not a single strike call had been issued by lawyers in the last four months, adding that the Punjab Bar Council has taken stern action against misbehaving and intolerant lawyers.

Advocate Farhan Shehzad also requested the CJP to expedite the hearing of bail before arrest and fast-track cases in the Supreme Court. The delegation also suggested that instead of 50 marks in the gate test for lawyers and students, the passing grade should be 45 marks.

The Chief Justice assured the delegation that their issues would be taken to the relevant forums for resolution.

At the end of the meeting, the Publication Committee presented a calendar diary to the Chief Justice on behalf of the Punjab Bar Council and thanked the CJP for taking the time to meet them.