SCBAP condemns ‘excessive use of force’ against Imran

Says state's refusal to provide funds, support for polls amounts to 'open violation' of SC judgment, constitution

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has condemned all violations of the law and “any excesses committed by law enforcement agencies or anybody who has taken the law in their own hands”.

The statement, issued by SCBAP President Abid S. Zuberi and Secretary Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir, said the association stood for rule of law, the constitution and the dignity of the judgements issued by the courts.“Any form of violence is not acceptable in a democratic country governed by rule of law and the Constitution.

The use of excessive force against the former prime minister of Pakistan is highly condemned. Furthermore, the method of service of warrants is also highly arbitrary, vindictive and not in accordance with [the] law. Therefore, such violence must be stopped forthwith,” the statement said.“Every person must be treated in accordance with [the] law and due process must be adopted.

Law enforcement agencies must not use excessive force and citizens must not initiate confrontation or damage public and private property. It is incumbent upon all citizens to obey orders passed by all courts,” the statement said.The body emphasised that the state must focus on and ensure implementation of the judgement of the Supreme Court and must make arrangements for the holding of elections as per the directive of the top court and “not create unnecessary law and order situation under any pretext”.

The apex court’s judgement is binding on all and every authority under the law and the constitution to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold free, fair and transparent elections.

The statement went on to state that the refusal of the state to provide adequate funds and relevant support for purpose of holding elections on the pretext of security concerns amounts to an open violation of the judgment of SC as well as the constitution.It is high time that all the stakeholders sit together and amicably resolve their political differences in accordance with the law in the best interest of the country, it added.