Lawyers demand release of Imran Khan

A lawyers' convention held in Lahore on Saturday demanded the immediate release of former prime minister Imran Khan and political workers as it urged that all national issues be resolved through dialogue, while calling for avoiding the use of force.

A declaration issued after the convention organized by the Lahore High Court Bar and the Lahore Bar's All Pakistan Lawyers Convention also demanded that all political workers "who have been subjected to enforced disappearances outside the constitutional and legal framework" be immediately released.

The convention also strongly condemned the recent amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), stating that these changes violate fundamental rights — freedom of expression and press.

"The lawyers also express solidarity with journalists and media workers across Pakistan who are struggling for freedom of speech," the declaration added.

The convention also defended Pakistan's rightful claim to water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which India unilaterally suspended after a militant attack in held Kashmir on April 22.

"The declaration strongly condemns India's attack on Pakistan's sovereignty. The prompt response of the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force, is highly appreciated," it added.

Addressing the convention, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja earlier said lawyers carry the great responsibility to tell the people that their vote was stolen in the February 2024 elections.

"A system built on lies has been imposed on us.

The 26th Constitutional Amendment is part of that falsehood. After rigging the elections, there was an attempt to control our courts," he said.

Raja, who belongs to Imran Khan's PTI, said those who rigged the elections cannot tolerate democracy in this country. He said for 78 years, democracy has repeatedly been attacked.