Lawyers outraged at CJP for not upholding constitution
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In the wake of the release and subsequent re-arrest of political leaders following their bail hearings, members of the legal community in Lahore have called upon Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Isa to uphold the supremacy of the law.
They emphasize that certain "powerful groups" have openly violated the law without respect for its principles. The legal fraternity, along with politicians and columnists, convened at a seminar organized by the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) titled "On human rights, Pakistan Constitution, and the path ahead."
The legal community equates this "disobedience" to an attempt to undermine the Constitution, citing instances where political party leaders were re-arrested after court-issued release orders. They also stress the importance of transparent and fair elections for political stability.
Expressing their concerns, the lawyers state that the country is currently mired in lawlessness, with a lack of adherence to constitutional provisions. They emphasize the need for the country to make progress by upholding the rule of law and ensuring its fair application to all citizens.
Veteran lawyer Hamid Khan, speaking at the event, highlights that the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly guarantees freedom of speech as a fundamental human right. He laments the restriction on exercising this right in today's politics and underscores that Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa must ensure the law's supremacy and fair application to rectify the situation.
Regarding the selection of high court judges, the lawyer emphasizes the necessity of a more robust mechanism to ensure merit and transparency in their appointment, suggesting amendments to the rules of the judicial commission.
He further argues for amendments to the formation of the Supreme Judicial Council to prevent judges facing misconduct allegations from participating in the council. This, he believes, will hold judges accountable and ensure the principles of true justice.
Vice President LHCBA Rabia Bajwa contends that the events of May 9 were used to disrupt the political process and calls for unity among those opposing the "powerful camp" responsible for these disruptions. Veteran lawyer Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan expresses his dismay at the disregard for the Constitution in today's environment.
He points out that court orders to release politicians are followed by their re-arrest in new cases, and even the Supreme Court's directive to hold provincial elections in Punjab on May 14 was ignored.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Liaquat Baloch stresses that political stability can only be achieved through free and fair elections and calls for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9. The seminar also featured addresses from columnists Ayaz Mir, senior journalist Habib Akram, analyst Orya Jan Maqbool, and others.
