PBC opposes ex-judges' reappointment

Seeks local replacement for transferred judges

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Thursday demanded that retired judges should not be reappointed to public offices and rejected what it termed interference by the superior judiciary in matters relating to lawyers and bar councils.

The demands were made during a meeting of bar councils organised by the PBC, attended by Vice Chairman Pir Masood Chishti and representatives of provincial bar councils.

Addressing a news conference after the meeting, Chishti said the participants discussed four major agenda items, including implementation of the Lawyers Protection Act and the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments.

He said the meeting noted that the Lawyers Protection Act was not being implemented effectively.

Referring to judicial transfers, he said the bar councils had decided that if a judge was transferred, the replacement judge should be from the same province.

Chishti said parliament had the constitutional authority to introduce amendments.

He noted that in case of a constitutional amendment, the judge's seat will remain intact after transfer. He also called for transfers within the district judiciary.

The PBC vice chairman urged the federal and provincial governments not to appoint retired judges to any official positions after retirement. He further said the judiciary should not have the authority to suspend lawyers' licences.

Speaking on the occasion, Judicial Commission member Ahsan Bhoon said only the PBC had the authority to announce strike calls by lawyers.

Rejecting interference by the superior judiciary, Bhoon said there was unanimous agreement among bar representatives that vacancies created through judicial transfers should be filled within one month.

He also called for immediate action against character assassination campaigns on social media, saying lawyers involved in such activities should also face disciplinary action, including proceedings for suspension or cancellation of their licences.

Bhoon said freedom of expression did not mean using abusive language against others, adding that the bar councils' foremost priority remained the welfare of lawyers.

Referring to constitutional reforms, he said the draft of the 26th constitutional amendment had not been shared with bar councils for consultation. He said consultations were held on the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

"If any new constitutional amendment is under consideration, its draft should be shared with us so that we can give our recommendations," Bhoon said, referring to reports about a possible 28th constitutional amendment.

He added that any amendment affecting provincial rights should be introduced only after taking the concerned province into confidence.