Demanding action: Legal practitioners to go on province-wide strike on Monday

Urge government to act against cop who allegedly tortured their colleague

PESHAWAR: Lawyer consortiums have announced to go on a province-wide strike starting Monday, against the alleged torture of their colleague at the hands of the police.

Peshawar Bar Association and Peshawar High Court Bar Association held a meeting in this regard on Saturday.

Three days ago, legal practitioner Faqirullah Awan was allegedly manhandled and tortured by Paharipura police when he visited the station for some personal work.

The meeting was chaired by PBA President Ismail Khalil and PHCBA President Fida Gul. Other office-bearers of both associations and a large number of lawyers were present on the occasion. According to a statement issued by PBA, lawyers in the province will not attend court proceedings on Monday. “We will block two roads for an hour and then move to Chief Minister House,” the statement read.While a strike has already been in place in the high court and lower judiciary for two consecutive days, the associations have decided to take to the streets against the uncalled and unwarranted behaviour of police officials.

The demonstrations will continue until action is taken against the cops involved, say lawyers. The associations have demanded the suspension of Paharipura SHO, a departmental inquiry and the registration of an FIR against him. Until then the lawyers’ fraternity will not allow police officials in the judicial complex and not attend cases where they represent the force.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2015.