Pakistani Lawyers Fight Legislative Assault on Judiciary

Around 300 senior Pakistani lawyers have warned judges of the superior judiciary against participating in a proposed constitutional court. They criticize the move as an attack on the Constitution and assert that it parallels past unconstitutional measures like the Provisional Constitution Order. Concerns about judicial independence are strongly emphasized.

Around 300 lawyers from various provinces of Pakistan have called on superior judiciary judges to refrain from participating in any proposed constitutional court, regardless of parliamentary approval, Dawn reported. In an open letter to Supreme Court and High Court judges, senior lawyers urged, "Do not recognize this proposed court if such a bill is passed."

Signatories including prominent figures like Munir Ahmed Khan Kakar and Abid Saqi expressed concerns over a sustained assault on the Constitution and democracy. They highlighted past instances where the higher judiciary legitimized unconstitutional actions, including the Provisional Constitution Order, warning there is no distinction between a PCO court and the proposed court.

The letter emphasized that this moment presents a choice for judges, urging them not to be complicit in what they see as an assault cloaked in legal arguments. The Pakistan Bar Council and other bar associations, while acknowledging the Parliament's authority to amend the Constitution, warned against changes undermining judicial independence and provincial autonomy.

(With inputs from agencies.)