Pindi district bar polls today

Around 5,400 lawyers set to cast their votes, nail-biting contests expected

RAWALPINDI:

The 78th annual elections of the Rawalpindi District Bar Association will take place on Saturday (today).

Around 5,400 lawyers set to cast their votes. The district courts have been transformed into an electoral battleground as candidates vie for key positions.

While the posts of vice president, finance secretary, library secretary, and nine members of the executive committee have already been filled unopposed, polling will be held for three hotly contested seats including president, secretary, and joint Secretary.

Tight security arrangements have been implemented, with a heavy police presence stationed at the courts.

Due to the elections, regular court proceedings, including in-session, civil, and family courts, will be suspended, with only urgent cases being heard.

Three strong contenders are in the running for the president's seat, with intense competition expected.

Two candidates are affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while one represents the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

The presidential candidates—Shahid Mughal, Tariq Mehmood Sajid Awan, and Sardar Manzar Bashir—are all confident of their victory.

The secretary position is also drawing significant attention, with Qamarul Haq Niazi, Asad Mehmood Malik, and Junaid Ahmed Nawaz Raja locked in a three-way battle.

For the Joint Secretary seat, a direct contest will take place between Aamir Shehzad Hussain and Rana Hashir Hussain.

Naila Faisal Malik has secured the vice president position unopposed, while Mehr Aamir Shehzad has been elected as finance secretary, and Chaudhry Kashif has claimed the library secretary post.

The executive committee now includes Amna Javed, Maria Nilofar Baig, Samina Iqbal, Samra Hussain, Muhammad Jehangir, Waqas Munshi, Haider Ali Hashmi, Chaudhry Abdul Hafeez, and Sohail Akhtar Advocates. Polling will take place from 9am to 4am.

Female lawyers who have left regular practice after marriage are also expected to cast their votes.

Campaign cards and posters have been displayed across the district courts, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

On Friday, candidates visited the court complex in groups, rallying support from senior lawyers and chambers.