Twin-city lawyers stage protest against Quetta carnage

Islamabad/Rawalpindi

Lawyer bodies of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad here Tuesday observed complete strike and condemned the brutal killings of their fellow lawyers, innocent civilians and media persons in the Quetta's tragic incident.

Meanwhile, Registrar Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the light of directions issued by the IHC Chief Justice, Justice Mohammad Anwar Khan Kasi, here Tuesday, reviewed security situation of the IHC building and subordinate courts of Islamabad.

As per strike calls issued by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Islamabad Bar Council (IBC), lawyers in Islamabad observed complete strike and not appeared before the court.

A general body meeting of the Islamabad lawyer bodies was held in Martyrs Hall of F-8 District Courts that was attended by members of Islamabad District Bar Association, Islamabad High Court Bar Association and members of IBC.

The meeting was also participated by a delegation of SCBA with its president Barrister Ali Zafar. Addressing the meeting, Barrister Ali Zafar said that the state should assume its responsibility of protecting soft targets like, schools, colleges, courts, hospitals and markets.

Not only lawyers but every Pakistani needs protection of life and that is incumbent upon state to provide.

Other lawyer leaders while addressing the participants said that the government did not provide security to the Islamabad courts despite March 3, 2014 terrorism incident. Now the lawyers themselves will activate and negotiate with interior ministry and Inspector General of Police to convey their reservations.

Later, lawyers offered funeral prayers in absentia for the deceased persons of August 8 Quetta incident. It is to mention here that IBC had announced seven-day mourning for the martyrs of Quetta.

Meanwhile, Registrar IHC as per directions of the IHC chief justice, toured around the high court and district court premises to have an overview of the security situation. IHC registrar told officials responsible for security of the buildings that there will be no compromise over security of the courts.

IHC registrar inquired about the functioning of CCTV cameras and directed security officials to remain vigilant about the adjacent buildings as well. He directed to increase security personnel deputed for the security of the buildings.

Lahore High Court Bar Association of Rawalpindi (LHCBAR) also observed complete strike to mourn and protest the inhuman and horrific incident of Quetta. Even the list of urgent cases was cancelled. LHCBAR has scheduled a meeting with Justice Ibad-ur-Rehman Lodhi today (Wednesday) to discuss security situation of the court premises.

LHCBAR President Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Kayani advocate while talking to ‘The News’ said that Quetta incident on August 8 was a horrible event. First they targeted Balochistan High Court Bar president and then bomb blast took many precious lives.

Advocate Kayani said that there is no sufficient security in Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench. Police cops don't do their duties diligently and a Rs2.5 million walkthrough gate is yet to be installed.

“We will discuss this security situation with law enforcement agencies,” he said adding LHCBAR will take out a rally today (Wednesday) from district courts of Rawalpindi and will also offer funeral in absentia.