Lawyers reject 'constitutional tweaks'

All Pakistan Convention warns of consequences if bill is passed

LAHORE:

An all Pakistan lawyer's convention organized by Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) vehemently opposed the government-proposed constitutional amendments on judicial reforms and warned of consequences if the legislation got passed by parliament.

Hundreds of lawyers, representatives of different bars from across Pakistan, attended the convention held in the Javed Iqbal Auditorium. Most lawyers declared the convention as a successful show but there were others, who placed it in the flop category.

Terming federal the government's controversial constitutional package the most heinous attack, the legal fraternity warned the powerful ranks of consequences if this bill was passed merely to benefit a few persons. They vowed not to let the civilians' trial in military courts.

The declaration issued after the convention, not only rejected the controversial constitutional package but also the creation of the constitutional court. It urged the appointment of the chief justice of Pakistan in light of seniority.

The lawyers rejected those who compromised on principles as well as those on the committee constituted to examine the bill. The lawyers demanded the issuance of notification regarding the appointment of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah as the new chief justice of Pakistan.

Addressing the convention, senior lawyer Ali Ahmad Kurd said that the lawyers had been laying down their lives for the supremacy of law and "this time will leave no-stone unturned to foil each attempt of the government to derail the Supreme Court of Pakistan".

Senator Hamid Khan said that judges were not the "Tehsildars" whom the government could transfer anywhere. "Normally, there was healthy debate before bringing any amendment but in this case everything is being hidden," he said. "We will stand by the judges."

Barrister Ali Zafar said there was a war between power and principles and the history would remember those who stood by the principles.

Balochustan High Court Bar Association President Afzal Irfan and member Raib Khan; Pakistan Bar Council Member Munir Kakar, Supreme Court Bar Association Vice President Umar Hayat Sindhu, and several others also addressed the convention.