Woman lawyer vows to run for bar presidency next time

SWABI: A woman lawyer who contested the recent Swabi District Bar Association election for the general secretary slot but lost by a narrow margin has announced her intention to run for the president’s post next year.

“Let me announce that I will contest the election for the association’s president next year,” said Advocate Bilqees Javed while talking to The News on Sunday.She said it was the first time a woman advocate had contested an election in the district’s history. She lost by only eight votes, securing 68, while Safdar Zeb, who was elected general secretary, received 76.

Bilqees Javed has been practicing law since obtaining her license in 2016. She hails from Karnal Sher Kali in Razaar Tehsil. “I got both guidance and inspiration from my husband, a distinguished lawyer,” she remarked.

“It was an honour for me to take part in the election for the first time. This is just the beginning-as over 30 women lawyers in the district bar are now determined to contest future elections,” she said. “Winning or losing doesn’t matter. I will continue to participate in elections and will strive to emerge victorious with the support of my fellow lawyers,” she added.