K-P lawyers announce black day, court boycott

Bar bodies oppose emergency and governor's rule

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council has announced a province-wide Black Day on October 13 and a complete boycott of court appearances in protest against the imposition of emergency in the province, describing the move as an extraordinary constitutional step that threatens federal structure, parliamentary democracy and provincial autonomy.

In a statement issued from its office, the Bar Council expressed grave reservations over the federal government's actions under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan. It stressed that any such measure must strictly adhere to the conditions, legal requirements and prescribed procedures laid down in the Constitution. Using constitutional powers to dissolve an elected provincial government or render the public mandate ineffective on the basis of political differences, the Council warned, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the federal system and the principle of provincial self-rule.

The Council strongly opposed the federal action, equating it to a direct assault on the province's autonomy. It made clear that the legal fraternity would not remain a silent spectator and would play its full role in the restoration of democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.

According to the press release, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council has decided that lawyers across the province will observe Black Day on October 13 by staying away from courts. The Council has also summoned a meeting of its general body on October 17 in Peshawar. The session will thoroughly review the prevailing situation, chart a future course of action and deliberate on steps needed to restore the democratic system.