SCBA Pakistan Calls for Nationwide Strike on Sep 14 to Safeguard Constitution and Rule of Law

The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan has called upon bar associations across the country to join in a nationwide strike on September 14 in a show of support for safeguarding the Constitution and the rule of law.

The apex lawyers’ body has put forth several demands, including the release of political detainees, an end to the military’s interference in politics, and effective measures to address the ongoing economic crisis.

During the All Pakistan Lawyers Convention held at the SCBA premises and attended by attorneys Hamid Khan, Latif Khosa, Aitzaz Ahsan, and SCBA President Abid Zuberi, a resolution encapsulating these objectives was passed.

Zuberi expressed concern about the absence of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) from the meeting, despite extending an invitation to them.

The convention’s resolution, emphasizing civilian supremacy, has called upon bar councils to organize rallies and marches within their respective bar associations as peaceful protests to uphold and safeguard the Constitution and the rule of law. It stressed that every institution in Pakistan is bound by the Constitution and is not permitted to deviate from its principles.

Notably, the resolution addressed the role of the armed forces, highlighting their responsibility to staunchly uphold the Constitution and refrain from engaging in any political activities, given that the Constitution was drafted by officials of all ranks. Additionally, it voiced opposition to the trial of civilians in military courts, asserting that such proceedings contravene constitutional guarantees of due process, a fair trial, and other fundamental rights. A case challenging the legality of these courts is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

The resolution also called for the transfer of all individuals held in the custody of military or intelligence agencies to the jurisdiction of the relevant civil law authorities for presentation before civilian courts, and for those responsible for their unlawful arrest and detention to be held accountable in accordance with the law. It further demanded the immediate release of those unlawfully detained.

The attorneys’ association strongly condemned the arrests, detentions, and harassment of women in recent months, calling for the prosecution of those found responsible for such actions under the law.

Moreover, the organization urged the prosecution of individuals responsible for the harassment of advocates carrying out their professional duties. This may imply allegations of harassment against Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI, whose party has faced internal turmoil following the events of May 9.

After Imran Khan, the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and former prime minister, was detained at the Islamabad High Court on May 9, violent clashes erupted across Pakistan. Party workers protested the detention of their leader, leading to rallies in various regions, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad calling upon the armed forces to maintain law and order.

During these protests by PTI activists, army installations and the residence of the corps commander in Lahore were targeted, leading to a significant escalation in tensions.