Lawyers resist 'anti-encroachment' drive

MULTAN:

Tension erupted at the Multan district courts complex after lawyers and district administration officials came face to face during an anti-encroachment operation launched by the Para Force, with lawyers blocking the action and locking the main gate of the premises.

The operation was initiated early Thursday morning following a fire incident at the record room and accounts office of the district courts.

Acting on the directives of the deputy commissioner, PERA Force personnel entered the courts complex to remove alleged encroachments, including canteens operating inside the premises. However, lawyers led by District Bar President Bushra Naqvi strongly resisted the operation and prevented officials from proceeding further.

During the protest, the lawyers locked the main gate of the courts complex, effectively confining Para Force personnel inside for nearly seven hours. Assistant Commissioner City Azka Sehr later arrived at the scene to hold negotiations with the lawyers. In the presence of Bushra Naqvi, lawyers including Shahbaz Khan told the assistant commissioner that no action could be carried out inside the district courts without the approval of the district bar president, regardless of who issued the orders.

Lawyers also shouted slogans against the Para Force personnel and demanded that they leave the courts premises immediately.

Speaking on the occasion, Bushra Naqvi said the lawyers would not allow any operation against canteens inside the courts complex. She demanded a thorough investigation into the fire incident before any action was taken. The district bar's general secretary also called for an inquiry into the fire and demanded punishment for those responsible, while insisting that confiscated items from the canteens be returned.