PESHAWAR: The Inter-Provincial Bar Council om Saturday announced an immediate ban on lawyers’ strikes called in support of specific judges. The council convened a high-level meeting in Peshawar, bringing together vice-chairmen and representatives from the Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Associations.
The session, attended by prominent legal figures including KP Bar Council Vice Chairman Asfandyar Khan and members Rafiq Mohmand, Babar Khan Yousafzai, and Fazal Wahid Advocate, culminated in a unified policy declaration regarding judicial independence and administrative reforms.
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Strict Ban on Pro-Judiciary Strikes
Addressing a press conference following the Inter-Provincial Bar Council meeting Peshawar, Chairman Ahmed Farooq Khattak Advocate announced an mmediate ban on strikes called in support of specific judges. Khattak emphasized that all bar councils across Pakistan now stand on a unified platform. He warned that any bar association initiating a strike in favor of judges would face strict disciplinary action, asserting that the legal fraternity will not support any extra-constitutional or illegal measures.
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Judicial Transfers and Provincial Quotas
The Council addressed the ongoing debate regarding the transfer of judges between High Courts. Chairman Khattak stated that while inter-court transfers are not inherently problematic, they must never serve as political tools or punitive measures. The Council proposed that:
- Inclusive Consultations: Representatives from relevant bar councils must be included in the consultation process for judge transfers.
- Equal Representation: The Islamabad High Court should maintain an equal share of judges from all provinces to ensure federal balance.
- Reciprocal Appointments: If a judge is transferred out of the Islamabad High Court, a replacement from the same province should be appointed to maintain the quota.
Demands for Accountability and Structural Reform
The Inter-Provincial Bar Council meeting Peshawar also highlighted several demands aimed at reforming the judiciary and empowering bar councils. Ahmed Farooq Khattak called for a permanent end to the re-appointment of retired judges to any official positions. Furthermore, the Council condemned judicial interference in bar council elections and criticized the dismissive attitude of some judges toward lawyers.
Key administrative demands included:
- Licensing Authority: The power to suspend lawyers’ licenses should be transferred from the courts back to the respective Bar Councils.
- Judicial Eligibility: A mandatory two-year legal practice experience must be reinstated for candidates seeking the position of Civil Judge.
- Accountability Transparency: The Council demanded bar representation in judicial accountability committees, noting that the public and legal community are often left in the dark regarding the specific grounds for a judge’s removal.
By aligning all provincial councils, the Chairman underscored that the legal community seeks a transparent system where judges remain accountable and the bar maintains its professional autonomy
