Legal organizations in Islamabad have strongly opposed the recent transfers of judges, deeming them an attempt to divide the judiciary and an act of bad faith. In response, lawyers have announced a complete strike and will hold a nationwide convention at 11 AM tomorrow at the District Court G-11.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference by officials of the Islamabad Bar Council, Islamabad High Court Bar Association, and District Bar Association on Sunday.
Addressing the media, Islamabad Bar Council Chairman Advocate Aleem Abbasi stated that all representatives of the district and high court bar associations were present in the emergency meeting.
He condemned the recent transfers of three judges to Islamabad by the Ministry of Law, declaring that the lawyers community unanimously rejects these appointments.
“These transfers are aimed at creating division within the judiciary and are driven by malintent. Lawyers will strongly oppose this move,” Abbasi emphasised.
He further announced a complete strike by lawyers in Islamabad, stating that no lawyer would appear in any court tomorrow. He appealed to lawyers across Pakistan, as well as provincial bar councils, to join the protest in solidarity.
“This issue affects the entire legal community in Pakistan. We call upon all bar associations and councils across the country to support our cause,” he urged.
He also condemned the upcoming Judicial Commission meeting scheduled for February 10, calling it an act of bad intention. Abbasi demanded that all petitions against the 26th Constitutional Amendment be heard on an urgent basis.
“The Supreme Court’s full bench must first rule on constitutional amendments before any further proceedings. The February 10 meeting should be immediately canceled as it is politically motivated. This is not just a battle for lawyers; it is a fight for the rule of law and judicial independence in the country,” he asserted.
“The recent judicial appointments show clear political bias. In the Sindh High Court, members of a particular political party have been appointed, and similar actions are expected in the Lahore High Court,” he alleged.
President of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, Riasat Ali Azad, stated that the decision to strike and hold a convention was unanimous. He questioned why a judge ranked 15th in Lahore High Court was being transferred, while a judge ranked 12th in Balochistan was also being moved.
“Islamabad High Court is being treated like a dumping ground for judges. How many appointments have been made from Islamabad to provincial high courts? The only ‘crime’ of the Islamabad High Court is its commitment to judicial independence,” he remarked.
Azad further claimed that the Islamabad High Court was under siege, with efforts underway to undermine its credibility. “Judges here are making constitutional and legal rulings, yet attempts are being made to subdue the judiciary,” he said. He called on the public to stand with the legal community in their protest.
Following the convention, lawyers will also hold a protest rally. Azad criticized attempts to control various institutions, including the media through the PECA Act, and warned that the judiciary was now the next target.
“The judiciary must remain independent. The senior-most judge should be appointed Chief Justice, as stated in the 26th Amendment. The continued politically motivated transfers and appointments must stop,” he demanded.
District Bar Association President Naeem Ali Gujar echoed similar concerns, arguing that Islamabad’s legal community had historically played a key role in defending constitutional integrity. He criticized the recent transfers, questioning their necessity and fairness.
“We are not against any individual judge, but we stand for the judiciary and the Constitution. The government and opposition must not undermine the legal system,” Said Naeem Ali.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ