CJ urges lawyers to avoid strikes

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has stressed the importance of preserving the dignity of the judiciary while urging the legal community to move away from the prevailing culture of strikes and court boycotts.

During a meeting with representatives of various District and Tehsil Bar Associations at the Lahore High Court, CJ Aalia Neelum called on the legal fraternity to adopt more constructive approaches to addressing grievances.

She emphasised that strikes should not be the default response, as they disrupt judicial proceedings and severely impact the livelihoods of many lawyers, particularly those dependent on daily court appearances.

"When courts remain closed, litigants suffer and so do the most vulnerable members of the legal profession," the Chief Justice remarked, highlighting the broader consequences of strike actions.

She reiterated the need for a cooperative and respectful environment between the bench and the bar, noting that the dignity of the courts is closely tied to the conduct and respect of the legal community. "A collaborative relationship is essential for upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in the judiciary," she said.

Addressing concerns about judicial officers, CJ Neelum advised that any complaints be submitted in writing, assuring that they would be addressed transparently and through due process. "Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of our judiciary," she stated.

The Chief Justice also shared updates on key infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the judicial system, including the upcoming construction of a state-of-the-art Judicial Tower in Lahore.