The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) strongly denounced on Sunday the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and attorneys Sardar Latif Khosa, Salman Akram Raja, and others.
According to a statement released by the SCBA, President Shahzad Shaukat and Secretary Syed Ali Imran “vehemently denounced” the arrests of Sardar Latif Khosa, Salman Akram Raja, Mumtaz Mustafa, and numerous other lawyers who were peacefully protesting alleged electoral malpractices in the recent general elections.
While demanding the quick release of all imprisoned attorneys, the President and Secretary stated that as senior Supreme Court advocates and life members of our Association, the arrests are deeply concerning. “All of them have always represented the highest standards in legal profession,” the judges said.
The President expressed his absolute dissatisfaction, stating that it is well known that the SCBA has consistently pushed for the protection of basic rights guaranteed by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Constitution of 1973.
The SCBA President went on to say that despite the fact that the association has repeatedly called on the government to protect citizens’ legal and democratic rights, including those of attorneys.
“The recent pattern of targeting and detaining members of the legal community is concerning. It demonstrates a flagrant disdain for constitutional rights, pervasive lawlessness, and abuse of authority,” according to the statement.
Furthermore, in response to the rising attacks against the legal community, the SCBA has called an emergency meeting of its Executive Committee to choose a course of action.
“Let no one be mistaken, SCBA reiterates its commitment to defending the rights of lawyers and upholding the fundamental rights, democratic principles, protection of human rights and rule of law,” the statement went on to say.
Maria Ghanchi