Peshawar Bar announces strike today

Peshawar Bar Association (PBA) has announced a strike today condemning the incident of firing in the Judicial Complex. It was stated that despite the security at the gates of the district court, the occurrence of such incidents is regrettable, indicating a lapse in security.

On Monday, the PBA held an emergency meeting, presided over by PBA President Advocate Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil and the proceedings were conducted by the General Secretary Advocate Iftikhar Hussain Samundar.

In the meeting, the incident of firing due to security negligence in the district court was presented, resulting in four individuals being targeted by bullets. The meeting raised the point that security agencies’ core responsibilities have been adversely affected due to engaging them in political purposes and unnecessary tasks by government institutions.

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Due to government directives, checkpoints have been set up around the high court and district courts, with hundreds of police officers stationed at entry gates.

Despite this, the occurrence of firing and the presence of weapons indicate the non-serious attitude of the government. It is also clear that the government and institutions are not prioritising security adequately.

Furthermore, the Cabinet announced a complete boycott of the courts in the district courts of Peshawar on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in the greater interest of the lawyers, judges, judicial staff, and the safety of the general public.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2024.