Lawyers’ Leaders Call for Judicial Independence, Greater Share for Balochistan in Federal Budget

QUETTA: Senior leaders of the legal community, including Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Rauf Atta Advocate, Independent Lawyers Panel head Ahsan Bhoon Advocate, Balochistan Bar Association President Mir Attaullah Langov Advocate, and Quetta Bar Association President Qari Rehmatullah Advocate, have reaffirmed that lawyers have always sacrificed to ensure justice for litigants and safeguard the independence of the judiciary.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the inclusion of **323 lawyers into the Independent Lawyers Panel in Quetta**, the leaders stressed the need for unity to strengthen state institutions and parliament. They also called for an increase in Balochistan’s share in the federal budget to bring the province on par with others.

Ahsan Bhoon Advocate said for the first time in the country’s history, judges are being appointed on merit, though some elements still want to maintain dominance over the judiciary. He emphasized that lawyers do not seek favorable judgments but demand a judiciary that listens to litigants with honesty and independence. He noted that practicing law under insecurity is difficult, adding that Independent Panel has always worked for the welfare of lawyers.

SCBA President Rauf Atta Advocate underscored that Balochistan receives an extremely small allocation in the federal budget, which must be increased along with its quota in federal legal institutions. He said lawyers have historically made sacrifices for justice and will continue to do so.

SCBA’s nominated presidential candidate Haroon Rashid congratulated the newly joined lawyers and urged young lawyers to focus first on their profession and then politics. He recalled the sacrifices of the **August 8 martyrs**, calling them a guiding light for the legal community.

Balochistan Bar Association President Mir Attaullah Langov Advocate said he believes only in the unity of the “black coat,” not in any ethnic divisions. He congratulated the new members, highlighting that late Asma Jahangir Advocate showed lawyers the true path. He urged the Balochistan Chief Minister to fulfill his promise of providing 100 pink scooters for women lawyers and stressed that the province has highly capable legal professionals.