Bar boycott paralyses judicial proceedings

RAWALPINDI:

Judicial proceedings across Rawalpindi came to a standstill on Friday after the District Bar Association (DBA) observed a complete strike in protest against the recent Rawalakot incident in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which reportedly claimed lives and left several others injured.

Lawyers boycotted all court proceedings and refrained from appearing before sessions, civil, family and magistrates' courts, resulting in the adjournment of numerous cases. Trials involving prisoners produced from Adiala Jail were also postponed, with fresh hearing dates fixed by the courts.

During a protest meeting, the association called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and urged that those responsible be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

DBA President Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan said the legal fraternity had observed the strike in solidarity with the people of Azad Kashmir and condemned the reported use of force.