ISLAMABAD: The office bearers of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) have alleged that lawyers affiliated with the PTI attacked the president of the bar, subjected him to abuse and harassment, and raised slogans against state institutions.
During a press conference on Friday, Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) President Syed Wajid Ali Gilani, Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jaja, and Islamabad Bar Council Member Naseer Ahmed Kayanialleged that ‘armed’ lawyers—including Intizar Hussain Panjotha, Fatehullah Barki, Naeem Panjotha, Imaan Mazari, and Zainab Janjua, among others—attacked him, dragged him, and labelled him a traitor.
They announced submitting a reference to the Bar Council seeking
the registration of a terrorism case against the attacking lawyers and the cancellation of their licences. Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jaja said although the president was attacked, the bar had not been informed about any planned protest.
“If lawyers wish to hold a protest, the bar must be given a requisition. This principle was violated,” he alleged.
Urging that the incident not be politicised, the bar president emphasised that the High Court Bar has no personal agenda.
He clarified they are neither affiliated with any political party nor with any judge, and are present solely to serve the legal community.
Vice Chairman of the Islamabad Bar Council, Naseer Kayani, declared that those who attacked the president would be barred from entering the Islamabad High Court. “We will suspend the licences of these lawyers as soon as we receive the application,” he pledged.
“We will not be blackmailed by anyone and will strongly counter any attempt to weaken the bar,” he added.
He also warned against pursuing personal agendas in relation to Tariq Jahangiri’s case and vowed that the bar would not allow such efforts to succeed.