Lawyers in Pakistan Oppose Judicial Reforms Amidst Political Tensions
In Karachi, Pakistan, the ruling coalition’s plan to implement judicial reforms through a constitutional amendment has sparked strong opposition from the legal community. Lawyers have threatened a nationwide movement if the controversial package is passed. The All Pakistan Lawyers Convention, held at city courts, faced disruptions as politically-affiliated groups of lawyers protested against each other.
Protests and Tensions
Karachi Bar Association Secretary General Ikhtiar Ali Channa urged speakers to avoid political mentions, but tensions rose when Rabbiya Bajwa, a former Vice President of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, criticized the Pakistan People’s Party’s involvement in the amendment bill. She faced backlash and was temporarily removed from the stage.
Resolution Against the Amendment
Karachi Bar Association President Aamir Nawaz Waraich introduced a resolution opposing the proposed constitutional amendment bill. Lawyers unanimously pledged to resist the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, arguing it would undermine the separation of powers and affect people’s lives negatively.
Concerns Over Judicial Independence
Speakers warned that the proposed bill could compromise judicial independence, with allegations of political influence affecting decisions. Waraich emphasized that the Supreme Court of Pakistan is the only constitutional court and proposed protests if the government proceeds with the amendment.
Doubts Revealed
Judicial Reforms -: Judicial reforms are changes or improvements proposed to the legal system to make it work better. In this case, the government in Pakistan wants to change some rules about how courts work.
Constitutional Amendment -: A constitutional amendment is a change or addition to the country’s constitution, which is a set of rules that guides how the country is run. It is a big deal because it can change important laws.
All Pakistan Lawyers Convention -: This is a meeting where lawyers from all over Pakistan come together to discuss important issues related to law and justice in the country.
Pakistan People’s Party -: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is a major political party in Pakistan. It is involved in the country’s politics and sometimes makes decisions that affect the whole nation.
Karachi Bar Association -: The Karachi Bar Association is a group of lawyers in Karachi, a big city in Pakistan. They work together to support lawyers and discuss legal matters.
Federal Constitutional Court -: A Federal Constitutional Court would be a special court that deals with issues related to the constitution. Lawyers in Pakistan are worried that creating this court might affect the independence of other courts.
