In a session presided over by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, a case concerning the vote recount in NA-154 Lodhran was being deliberated. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Isa, during the proceedings, firmly dismissed a plea for postponement of the case without proper consideration, warning of significant fines that would leave a lasting impression on the legal fraternity.
Supreme Court Bar Association President, Shahzad Shaukat, had appealed for a deferment of the hearing to the following week, citing the ongoing lawyers’ strike. However, CJP Isa rebuked the use of the term “strike” within the courtroom and underscored the necessity for cases to proceed as scheduled. He stressed the vital role of lawyers in upholding the integrity of the court and criticized the trend of offering excuses that impede the progress of legal matters.
In addressing the issue of delayed cases, Justice Isa issued notices to the election commission, demanding the presentation of relevant records at the subsequent hearing. Despite the indefinite adjournment of the case, the CJP reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that judicial proceedings remain unaffected by external disruptions.
Across Pakistan, legal practitioners are observing a nationwide strike in response to the alleged violence against lawyers in Lahore on Wednesday. An FIR has been filed regarding the clash between law enforcement and lawyers at Lahore’s GPO Chowk.
The Pakistan Bar Council has called for action amidst the fraternity’s protests concerning the division of civil courts in Lahore. In the heart of the protests, Lahore, legal organizations have called for a strike to condemn the violence against their colleagues. A joint general assembly is underway at the Lahore High Court Bar, with leaders from various legal bodies, including the PBC and Punjab Bar Council, convening to deliberate on future strategies.
