Country Under Undeclared Martial Law, Decisions Being Made by Corps Commanders, Says Ali Ahmed Kurd

QUETTA: Renowned lawyer and senior legal expert Ali Ahmed Kurd has expressed serious concerns over the country’s prevailing political and constitutional situation, claiming that an undeclared martial law is effectively in place and that major national decisions are being made by generals and corps commanders rather than the prime minister or cabinet.

Kurd made the remarks while addressing a certificate distribution ceremony organised by the Association of International Lawyers Balochistan at the Quetta Press Club.

In his speech, the senior lawyer said the current situation was worse than in the past. He noted that under the Constitution, the prime minister is the chief executive of the country, but, he claimed, people did not know who the defence, finance or foreign ministers were, while everyone knew who the generals and corps commanders were.

He alleged that decisions taken in corps commanders’ meetings ultimately determined the country’s policies and direction.

Paying tribute to PTI founder Imran Khan, Kurd said that after a long time, a courageous leader had emerged in the country who possessed the strength and courage to stand up to dictators.

He regretted that society had failed to learn from Imran Khan’s courage. “If you and I do not learn from this courage, it is not Imran Khan who will suffer; it is we and our children who will suffer,” he said.

Kurd also criticised what he described as restrictions on freedom of expression, saying the entire country was silent. He claimed that even press clubs, which were traditionally considered independent spaces, could not hold political programmes without the permission of a commander.

Referring to Baloch social activist Dr Mahrang Baloch, he said that a prominent civil society leader was in detention, but fear had prevented major political figures, political parties and journalists from raising their voices against what he described as injustice.

Expressing anger over the current leadership of bar councils, Kurd alleged that lawyers holding senior positions had been compromised. He said lawyers had historically launched a significant movement against dictatorship, but the present leadership had undermined that legacy.

Kurd claimed that the proposed 26th and 27th constitutional amendments were aimed at dividing the legal fraternity and purchasing the conscience of lawyers through financial incentives.

He said lawyers had not entered the profession merely to conduct commercial activities, but to provide justice to the people.

At the conclusion of his address, Kurd announced that a section of the legal community remained committed to truth and justice. He said the “All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee” would demonstrate its strength and work for the supremacy of the Constitution, truth and the rule of law.

He warned that if those seeking to stand with dignity and speak their minds were imprisoned, lawyers would take to the streets and put up strong resistance.