IHC judge urges lawyers to improve courtroom conduct

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro has expressed serious concern over the conduct of

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro has expressed serious concern over the conduct of lawyers in the federal capital. He urged the leadership of the legal community to take steps to improve professional behaviour in courts.

The judge made the remarks during the hearing of a case in which Supreme Court Bar Association President Haroon Rashid appeared before the court.

Justice Soomro said he felt deeply disappointed after observing the attitude of some lawyers in Islamabad. He said lawyers were expected to cooperate with the court and maintain a respectful environment during proceedings.

The judge observed that lawyers in Islamabad did not provide the level of assistance that he expected. He said the behaviour he had witnessed was painful and disappointing.

Justice Soomro also referred to his background. He said he belonged to a village where people did not behave in such a manner. He remarked that even in his hometown, people showed greater respect while communicating with one another.

“I came here to learn, but I did not learn anything,” the judge said while expressing his disappointment over the situation.

He further criticised the manner in which some people spoke in the courtroom. He said it was regrettable to see people using inappropriate or disrespectful language during legal proceedings.

Justice Soomro asked the Supreme Court Bar president to take up the matter with lawyers’ representative bodies. He urged him to visit the bar council and bar association and advise lawyers to maintain professional standards.

The judge stressed that Islamabad was the federal capital. He said lawyers practising in the capital should demonstrate responsible and professional conduct.

Addressing Haroon Rashid, Justice Soomro said he was the president of one of the country’s largest and most influential bar associations. He asked him to play an active role in guiding lawyers and improving the atmosphere in courts.

The judge’s remarks highlighted the importance of discipline, mutual respect and cooperation between lawyers and judges. He said a healthy courtroom environment was essential for the smooth administration of justice.