Legal fraternity backs polls on time

Says ECP has no authority to go beyond constitutional time limits

LAHORE:

 

The legal fraternity has passed a resolution backing the Supreme Court judgment to hold elections within 90 days while condemning those who violated the Constitution and “disobeyed” the apex court’s order.

The lawyers’ community passed the resolution at All Pakistan Lawyer’s Convention, which was held at the Lahore High Court.

The resolution consisting of eight points, added, “We fully support the interpretation of the Supreme Court regarding such provisions of the Constitution and demand ECP and other concerned constitutional authorities to implement the judgement of the Supreme Court in letter and spirit”.

“The ECP has no power and authority to postpone the elections beyond the time limits prescribed by the Constitution and its attempt to do so is clearly unconstitutional and highly condemnable,” the resolution stated.

The convention strongly condemned the attack on the Supreme Court judges for gaining political advantage and intending to violate the Constitution, it maintained.

The lawyers are deeply disturbed over the differences amongst the judges of the Supreme Court coming out so publicly because that can damage the sanctity and respect of the judiciary as a prime institution under the Constitution, the resolution mentioned.

The convention called upon the chief justice of Pakistan to exercise leadership by bringing all the judges of the Supreme Court on board to ensure that such differences are resolved amicably in the larger interest of the institution and that the dignity and integrity of the apex court is ensured.

According to the resolution, the convention called upon all the bar councils and bar associations throughout Pakistan to act independently without any pressure or under the influence of any political party or politician to ensure their independent stance and posture.

The lawyers vowed to stand united for the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law and independence of judiciary.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Abid Zuberi, Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) President Ishtiaq A Khan and LHCBA Vice President Rabia Bajwa spoke on the occasion while Pakistan Bar Council member Shafqat Chohan and PTI leader Hamid Khan also addressed the lawyers.