Lawyers from across Pakistan united to oppose proposed constitutional amendments, threatening a nationwide movement if the government proceeds with its plans.
A convention organized by the Karachi Bar Association at City Court saw prominent legal figures, including representatives from the Pakistan Bar Council and the Supreme Court Bar Association, express their concerns.
Notable attendees included Munir A. Malik, Hamid Khan, and Abid Zuberi, though the Sindh High Court Bar Association was notably absent. The lawyers condemned the proposed amendments as unconstitutional and illegal, pledging to initiate widespread protests in response.
Fida Gul, President of the Peshawar High Court Bar, emphasized his commitment to blocking any amendments. “We will not permit these changes to occur. The government’s unconstitutional maneuvers will face strong opposition,” he asserted, warning that the introduction of a constitutional court would create a division within the judiciary. “We will resist these amendments at all costs.”
Asad Manzoor Butt, President of the Lahore High Court Bar, criticized the government’s initiative to establish constitutional courts at both federal and provincial levels and voiced opposition to raising the retirement age for the Chief Justice of Pakistan. “The entire legal community stands ready for a nationwide movement,” he cautioned.
Tensions arose during the event when members of the People’s Lawyers Forum staged a protest. Organizers of the convention clarified that the gathering aimed to benefit lawyers and was not politically motivated.
Former federal law minister Shahida Jamil urged caution, saying, “Everyone has their interpretation of the amendments, but we must proceed with care. What happens if a conflict arises between the constitutional court and the Supreme Court?”
Lawyers collectively agreed that the government’s lack of transparency regarding these amendments would not be accepted, calling for greater openness in the legislative process.
