KBA election row deepens as lawyers allege 'conspiracy' and rigging

Lawyers' leaders on Friday alleged that "conspiratorial elements" had sabotaged the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) elections, condemning it as an attack on the democratic process and the dignity of the legal fraternity.

The remarks were made during a General Body meeting held at Shuhada-e-Quetta Hall under the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) to discuss alleged irregularities in the KBA elections. A large number of lawyers, including senior bar leaders and candidates, attended the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, Pakistan Bar Council member and former Supreme Court Bar Association president Barrister Abid Zuberi termed the situation a "well-planned conspiracy," alleging that the elections were deliberately not held. He questioned the neutrality of the SHCBA leadership and asked what strategy was being adopted to address the issue.

He further alleged that certain elements were attempting to take control of KBA and other bars in Sindh, adding that such efforts would not be allowed to succeed. He also criticised the electoral process, stating that the elections should have been held earlier and alleging that the judiciary had come under undue influence.

SHCBA President Haseeb Jamali Advocate said a few elements were working in a coordinated manner to weaken the bar. He said the KBA had historically played a key role in raising public issues and added that this was the first such incident in its history. He demanded a transparent inquiry and strict action against those responsible.

Former KBA president Aamir Nawaz Warraich termed the incident a "black day" for the bar, alleging that the democratic process had been undermined. He said the KBA, being the largest bar association in the country, had consistently raised its voice on constitutional and public issues.

He alleged manipulation of voter lists and claimed his name was missing from the electoral roll.