Unknown assailants opened fire on the office of former Lahore High Court judge Hassan Raza Pasha — a member of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and chairman of its Executive Committee — on High Court Road, Rawalpindi, on Friday night, police and bar officials said, sparking panic in the area.
An FIR of the incident was lodged by High Court Bar Association (HCBA) Rawalpindi Secretary General Khalil Ahmad Malik. The case was registered under Section 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code (mischief causing damage), provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and the Lawyers Welfare and Protection Act, 2023.
Registered FIR Report
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“I was present in my office when heavy gunfire was heard,” Malik stated in the FIR. According to the complaint, two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened “straight fire with intent to kill” at the senior lawyer’s chamber, also targeting the road outside.
Office property was damaged and at least four bullet marks were later found on the chamber’s window, as evident from video footage shared by Express News. The suspects managed to flee the scene, the FIR added, while the gunfire spread panic in the vicinity. No casualties were reported.
A heavy contingent of police and lawyers reached the spot soon after the attack. Investigating officers confirmed that evidence had been collected and security in the area was tightened as inquiries continued.
The incident prompted an immediate protest from the legal fraternity. On the call of the District Bar Association (DBA), lawyers staged a strike at the Rawalpindi courts, boycotting proceedings and forcing judges to adjourn hearings and issue fresh dates. Prisoners brought from Adiala Jail for trial were also sent back amid the boycott. Bar officials said a meeting to consider a resolution of condemnation was scheduled for 11:00am.
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Police said the attack is “under investigation” and vowed to trace those responsible. They added that the motive remains unclear, while investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings to identify the suspects.
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