The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBA) has announced a nationwide strike on September 14.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, the SCBA directed the bar councils to hold a peaceful protest on September 14 across the country.
The SCBA announced that there will be protests for the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan.
Bar's convention passes resolutions against constitutional violations
Earlier, the 25th Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association organised the 'All Pakistan Lawyers Convention', where concerns surrounding the country’s constitutional violations from the institutes took centre stage.
Lawyers from across the nation congregated, emphasising their commitment to the rule of law, the constitution, and the rights of Pakistan's citizens.
The Lawyers Convention, held in the backdrop of mounting socio-political issues, concluded with the unanimous passing of several resolutions, reflecting the collective will of the legal fraternity.
Foremost amongst the resolutions was the insistence that elections should adhere to the constitution, conducted within the stipulated 90 days post the dissolution of the assemblies.
The resolution underscored lawyers as staunch defenders of not only the Constitution but also the fundamental rights and civil liberties of the populace.
Highlighting the unprecedented challenges currently faced by Pakistan, the convention flagged serious threats undermining the constitutional system. Recent court decisions stand violated, and crucial timelines for general elections are allegedly being bypassed. Institutions erected by the Constitution itself appear sidelined, resulting in a perceived constitutional void and growing disorder.
Moreover, the resolutions cited concerns over potential human rights violations by law enforcement agencies and raised alarms over the continuing phenomenon of enforced disappearances.
The legal community also voiced their discontent over escalating electricity and petrol prices, as well as the recurrent detentions of political leaders and voices of dissent. They labelled these acts as not merely an abuse of power but as forms of political retribution.
The convention culminated with a clarion call, asserting the paramount duty of bar associations and councils in ensuring the unflinching implementation of the Constitution and the law. The attendees were reminded of their oaths to operate within the bounds of legality and to utilize all legitimate avenues to uphold the principles of justice.
As Pakistan treads on a delicate constitutional pathway, the convention underscored the unwavering resolve of the legal community. Lawyers, united under the banner of the Supreme Court Bar Association, have emphatically reiterated their commitment to the rule of law, constitutional supremacy, and the protection of the rights of every Pakistani citizen.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori