High court bar rejects'anti-judiciary' amendment

Lawyers demand release of detained colleague

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) has unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the 26th constitutional amendment, calling it an attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rights of the people.

The legal fraternity expressed strong opposition, claiming that the amendment hinders justice for ordinary citizens.

In the same session, LHCBA demanded the immediate release of advocate Intizar Hussain Panjutha, the lawyer for PTI's founding chairman Imran Khan, giving the police an ultimatum of 24 hours to produce him.

The bar's president, Asad Manzoor Butt, presided over the general house meeting at the Lahore High Court, where the lawyer community voiced their concerns and condemned the actions of the authorities.

The lawyers denounced the passing of the 26th amendment, arguing that it compromises the judiciary's independence.

Former LHCBA president Rabia Bajwa criticized the widespread abduction of political workers, calling it an alarming assault on the basic rights of citizens.

"This amendment is an attack on the rights of the poor masses," she stated.

Former advocate general of Punjab, Ahmad Awais, echoed these sentiments, expressing regret that the amendment places the Supreme Court under the government's control.

Following the meeting, a rally was organized by the lawyers, who marched towards GPO Chowk in protest. The demonstration was peaceful and dispersed shortly after reaching the location.