Lawyers’ Protest in Islamabad: Clash Between Advocate Intizar Panjotha and IHC Bar President

Islamabad: Tensions flared during a lawyers’ protest at the Islamabad High Court when Advocate Intizar Hussain Panjotha and Islamabad High Court Bar President Wajid Gilani exchanged heated words, with an attempt at physical confrontation reported.

In a press conference, President Wajid Gilani announced strict action against lawyers involved in the scuffle, stating, *“If this had been against me personally, I would have forgiven them, but since the attack was on the Bar’s President and Secretary, I will not step back from action.”*

He emphasized that the Bar stands for the rule of law and constitutional supremacy, rejecting claims of acting as proxies for judges. Gilani added, *“We come here to earn respect, not disgrace.”*

Bar Secretary Manzoor Jajja declared that terrorism charges would be pursued against those involved in the incident. He also revealed that the Islamabad Bar Council would be approached to seek cancellation of the accused lawyers’ licenses.

Referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri’s degree case, Jajja said such matters should not remain pending indefinitely. *“We will request the registration of terrorism cases against the attackers and seek license revocations,”* he said, adding that *“judges are fighting their own cases, and those acting as their touts will be exposed.”*

Islamabad Bar Council Vice Chairman Naseer Kayani also condemned the attack, warning that those attempting to exploit Justice Jahangiri’s case for personal agendas would be stopped. He announced that the lawyers involved would be barred from entering the High Court.

Kayani further stated that once a complaint is filed, the Bar Council will immediately suspend the licenses of those responsible. *“We will not be blackmailed by anyone,”* he stressed.