LHC CJ concerned over closure of courts due to lawyers strike

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Shehzad Ahmed Khan has raised serious concerns over the closure of courts and the suspension of case hearings due to strike call by the lawyers.

In a letter addressed to the Punjab interior minister with copies sent to the Punjab Inspector General (IG) and Lahore Chief City Police Officer (CCPO) the LHC expressed dismay over the failure of law enforcement agencies to comply with court orders. The letter emphasised that under no circumstances should courts be allowed to close asserting that such actions undermine the rule of law.

The Punjab IG and Lahore CCPO were instructed to ensure foolproof security measures for all courts.

The LHC CJ condemned the decision of the LHC Bar secretary to forcefully suspend case proceedings equating it to contempt of court.

The letter stated the court displayed patience by refraining from initiating contempt proceedings against the LHC Bar secretary and others involved. The letter concluded with an expectation that there would be no future attacks on courts underscoring the need for a secure and uninterrupted judicial process.

Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had issued a nationwide strike call for all courts including the Supreme Court, high courts and subordinate judiciary.

The strike call has been issued to show solidarity with the legal fraternity after what they called disturbing events of Punjab police brutality against lawyers who were peacefully protesting the unlawful divisions of the civil courts in Lahore.