Lawyers Action Committee criticises judicial appointments, security policies

In a meeting held on July 18, 2026, the committee said recent constitutional changes had severely affected the justice system, alleging that

The Lawyers Action Committee (LAC) has voiced strong criticism of Pakistan’s judicial appointment process, the country’s security policies, and the continued detention of political leaders and activists, while also expressing support for a protest in Sindh over the disappearance of a minor from the Hindu community.

In a meeting held on July 18, 2026, the committee said recent constitutional changes had severely affected the justice system, alleging that the process of appointing High Court judges had become vulnerable to political influence and favoritism. It claimed that judicial appointments were increasingly based on political connections rather than merit, warning that such practices threatened the independence and credibility of the judiciary. The committee also criticized the current interview process for judicial candidates, describing it as lacking transparency and urging members of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan to resist any form of political pressure.

The committee also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, where frequent militant attacks have claimed dozens of lives. It argued that restricting media coverage would not resolve the province’s security challenges and called for a new approach led by a genuinely elected political leadership to restore peace.

Extending its criticism to other regions, the committee said similar policies were being pursued in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. It maintained that a tougher state approach had increased public alienation and prolonged instability. To address these issues, the committee proposed the formation of an independent fact-finding commission to examine grievances in all four regions and recommend long-term solutions through public consultation.

The LAC also condemned the continued imprisonment of lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha, along with political figures including former prime minister Imran Khan, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mahrang Baloch and Ali Wazir. It argued that the prolonged detention of dissenting voices reflected a failure to engage through democratic means and criticized the judiciary, legal community and political parties for what it described as their silence over alleged injustices.

Turning to legal affairs, the committee accused the Pakistan Bar Council and provincial bar councils of attempting to influence bar association elections. It demanded that elections be conducted on schedule in accordance with the law and supported the use of NADRA verification. It also called for the removal of lawyers holding fake degrees or other full-time jobs from the legal rolls and urged a ban on voting by individuals with memberships in multiple bar associations.

The committee further announced its support for the ongoing sit-in at Babarlo in Sindh, where protesters are demanding action over the disappearance of Priya Kumari and other missing persons. It urged the Sindh government to address the concerns of minority communities and ensure protection of their rights.