K-P Bar to challenge PHC's strike ruling

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council has decided to challenge the Peshawar High Court's recent ruling declaring lawyers' strikes unconstitutional and illegal.

The decision was taken during a General Body meeting held under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman Ahmad Farooq Khattak, where issues confronting the legal community were extensively discussed.

Participants termed the High Court's verdict an attack on the dignity and autonomy of lawyers, bar associations, and the Bar Council. A condemnation resolution was unanimously passed, reaffirming the legal fraternity's commitment to safeguarding its professional rights. The council resolved to file an appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the ruling.

During the meeting, the Bar Council also approved amendments to the Lawyers Benevolent Fund Rules.

Under the revised structure, compensation for the families of deceased lawyers has been increased from Rs700,000 to Rs1 million.

Financial assistance in cases of illness has been enhanced from Rs70,000 to Rs100,000, while retirement benefits have been raised from Rs350,000 to Rs500,000.