Legal bodies in Islamabad have strongly opposed recent judicial transfers, calling them an attempt to weaken judicial independence. In protest, lawyers have announced a complete strike on Monday and a nationwide convention at the District Court G-11 at 11 AM.
Lawyers Reject Judicial Transfers
Officials from the Islamabad Bar Council, Islamabad High Court Bar Association, and District Bar Association held a joint press conference on Sunday. They condemned the transfers of three judges by the Ministry of Law, claiming the move was politically motivated.
Islamabad Bar Council Chairman Advocate Aleem Abbasi stated that the legal community unanimously rejects these appointments. He accused the government of trying to divide the judiciary and declared that lawyers would strongly oppose such interference.
“These transfers are an attack on judicial independence,” Abbasi said. “The entire legal fraternity will stand together to resist this move.”
Read: Naqvi Warns PTI Against Lahore Protest on February 8
Complete Strike and Nationwide Protest
Abbasi announced a total boycott of courts in Islamabad on Monday. No lawyer will appear in any case. He also urged provincial bar councils and legal communities across Pakistan to join the protest.
“This is not just Islamabad’s fight,” he emphasized. “It concerns all legal professionals who believe in the rule of law and judicial independence.”
Criticism of the Judicial Commission Meeting
Lawyers also condemned the upcoming Judicial Commission meeting on February 10, calling it politically motivated. Abbasi demanded an urgent hearing of all petitions against the 26th Constitutional Amendment before any further proceedings.
“The Supreme Court’s full bench must first decide on the constitutional amendments,” he insisted. “The February 10 meeting should be canceled immediately.”
Abbasi also criticized recent judicial appointments in Sindh and Lahore, alleging favoritism toward certain political groups.
Concerns Over Islamabad High Court’s Treatment
Riasat Ali Azad, President of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, expressed frustration over judicial appointments. He questioned why a 15th-ranked judge in Lahore and a 12th-ranked judge in Balochistan were being transferred, calling the Islamabad High Court a “dumping ground” for judges.
Public Support Urged for the Protest
Following the convention, lawyers will also hold a protest rally. Azad called on the public to stand with the legal community, warning that judicial interference threatens democracy and the rule of law.
He also criticized the government’s attempts to control institutions, including the media through the PECA Act, and warned that the judiciary was the next target.
Upholding Judicial Independence
District Bar Association President Naeem Ali Gujar echoed similar concerns. He emphasized that Islamabad’s legal community had always defended constitutional integrity and would continue to do so.
“We do not oppose individual judges,” he clarified. “We stand for the judiciary and the Constitution.”
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