Lawyers threaten nationwide protests over proposed constitutional amendments

Lawyers across Pakistan have come together on a unified platform to oppose proposed constitutional amendments, warning of a nationwide movement if the government proceeds with the changes.

At a convention held by the Karachi Bar Association at City Court on Tuesday, prominent legal figures, including officials from the Pakistan Bar Council, Supreme Court Bar Association, and other regional associations, gathered to voice their concerns.

Attendees included Munir A Malik, Hamid Khan, and Abid Zuberi, among others. However, no representatives from the Sindh High Court Bar Association attended the event.

The proposed amendments were denounced as unconstitutional and illegal, with lawyers threatening a countrywide protest in response.

Peshawar High Court Bar President Fida Gul expressed his determination to prevent any changes.

"We will not allow these amendments to happen. The government's unconstitutional tactics will be met with resistance," he stated, adding that the creation of a constitutional court would divide the judiciary. "We will fight to the end against such amendments."

Asad Manzoor Butt, President of the Lahore High Court Bar, criticised the government's plans to establish constitutional courts at both federal and provincial levels, and also condemned extending the age limit of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

"The entire legal fraternity is ready for a nationwide movement," Butt warned.

There was tension at the convention when members of the People's Lawyers Forum protested the event.

The convention organisers emphasised that the meeting was held for the benefit of lawyers, not to serve any political agenda.

Former federal law minister Shahida Jamil advised caution, stating, "Everyone has their version of the amendments, but we must tread carefully. What happens if there’s a clash between the constitutional court and the Supreme Court?"

Lawyers agreed that the government's secretive approach to these amendments would not be tolerated, with calls for transparency in the legislative process.