Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed his dismay over the ongoing lawyers' strike, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted court proceedings.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court was hearing a case related to the vote recount in NA-154 Lodhran. During the hearing, CJP Isa rejected a request for postponement of the case without hearing, stating that such huge fines would be imposed that the lawyers would never forget.
Supreme Court Bar Association President Shahzad Shaukat requested for a postponement of the hearing to next week, citing the lawyers' strike. However, CJP Isa admonished against using the term "strike" in the courtroom and emphasized that cases would be heard as scheduled.
Also Read: Lawyers across Pakistan observe strike against police's violence
He highlighted the importance of lawyers supporting the court and criticized the prevalence of excuses hindering legal proceedings.
Addressing the issue of delayed cases, Justice Isa issued notices to the election commission, calling for records to be presented at the next hearing. Despite the adjournment of the case indefinitely, the CJP reiterated his commitment to ensuring that court proceedings remain unaffected by external disruptions.
Lawyers' organizations across Pakistan are observing a nationwide strike in protest against Wednesday's incidents of alleged violence against lawyers in Lahore. Meanwhile, a first information report (FIR) on the issue of a clash between police and lawyers at Lahore’s GPO Chowk.
Also Read: Several lawyers arrested as violent clash erupts with police outside LHC
The call for action by the Pakistan Bar Council comes amid the fraternity's protests against the issue of division of civil courts in Lahore.
In Lahore, the epicentre of the protests, lawyers' organizations have called for a strike to denounce the violence perpetrated against their colleagues. A joint general house meeting is taking place at the Lahore High Court Bar, with leaders from various legal bodies, including the PBC, Punjab Bar Council and others, participating to deliberate on the future course of action.
