Pakistan’s Six Major Bar Associations Reject Lawyers’ Strike Call Over Judicial Commission Meeting

Lawyers’ Strike Call Rejected by Six Major Bar Associations Ahead of Judicial Commission Meeting**

Six major bar associations of Pakistan, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, Pakistan Bar Council, Punjab Bar Council, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council, Balochistan High Court Bar Association, and Sindh High Court Bar Association, have rejected the call for a lawyers’ strike planned for February 10.

In a joint statement, these associations denounced the strike call, labeling it a move by certain political elements within the legal community who aim to sabotage the Judicial Commission meeting. The statement asserted that the elected representatives of the legal community stand firmly with the independence of the judiciary and reject the disruptive actions of certain individuals.

The announcement emphasized that these “so-called troublemakers” within the legal fraternity are attempting to create chaos for their own selfish political objectives, and that the elected representatives fully support the proceedings of the Judicial Commission.

The bar associations stated that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was lawfully passed, and only elected legal bodies have the authority to make decisions regarding any strike or protest. The statement also condemned the attempt by political factions to disrupt the unity of the legal community for personal gains.

The statement concluded by rejecting the strike call, asserting that it would be unsuccessful, just like previous attempts, and reaffirming their unwavering support for the Judicial Commission’s activities.

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan is scheduled to meet on February 10 to discuss the appointment of eight new judges to the Supreme Court. However, a group of lawyers, led by senior advocate Hamid Khan, who has opposed the 26th Constitutional Amendment, has announced plans to protest by marching to the Supreme Court.

Hamid Khan, a senior lawyer, has been a vocal critic of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it an encroachment on judicial independence. In a recent interview, he stated that most lawyers, particularly district bar associations, are united in their opposition to the amendment. He also emphasized that the current judges are beneficiaries of the 26th Constitutional Amendment and expressed their intention to hold a protest on February 10 in front of the Supreme Court.