Lawyers’ Leaders Condemn Alleged Police Action in Lahore, Call for Imran Khan’s Release

Quetta: Chairman of the All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee Ali Ahmad Kurd and Balochistan Bar Council member and Central Information Secretary Rahib Khan Baloch issued a joint statement condemning the alleged police baton charge and use of force against protesters during a demonstration outside Lahore’s Aiwan-e-Adl in support of the release of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.

The two lawyers’ leaders alleged that the authorities attempted to suppress protests held across the country through the use of force. Despite these efforts, they claimed that thousands of lawyers, members of the public, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers participated in the demonstrations.

In their statement, they alleged that peaceful protests had been turned violent by what they described as undemocratic forces. They further stated that Imran Khan has now completed three years in prison and claimed that democracy, freedom of expression, and fundamental human rights are facing increasing challenges in the country.

The statement also criticized the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, alleging that they had weakened the judicial system and contributed to a rise in violations of fundamental rights.

Ali Ahmad Kurd and Rahib Khan Baloch maintained that democratic movements cannot be stopped through the use of force and that imprisoning political leaders cannot bring political movements to an end.