Civil judge hurt in courtroom attack

RAWALPINDI:

A senior lawyer allegedly attacked Civil Judge Malik Ali Miran inside the Judicial Complex at the District Courts in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, striking him on the head with a glass during a dispute over a court ruling and leaving him bleeding.

According to reports, senior lawyer Aslam Khan Niazi allegedly entered the judge's chamber after expressing anger over the dismissal of a stay order in a property case.

Following an exchange of words, he allegedly struck the judge with a glass lying on a table, injuring his forehead and head.

He also allegedly punched the judge before leaving the chamber with four fellow lawyers.

A medical team reached the scene and provided first aid, while police personnel also arrived.

The CCTV footage of the incident has reportedly been secured, and a case has been registered against the lawyer.

Following the incident, judges suspended judicial work for the remainder of the day in protest. District and Sessions Judge Rawalpindi Asghar Ali sought a detailed report, while Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, a senior judge of the Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi Bench, also sought a report on the incident.

District Bar Association President Malik Tariq Sajid Awan, Secretary Qamarul Haq Niazi and other senior lawyers reached the courtroom and attempted to defuse the situation through negotiations and reconciliation, but their efforts reportedly failed.

Office-bearers of the High Court Bar and District Bar are expected to meet High Court judges and the district and sessions judge on Wednesday to discuss the matter.