Islamabad witnessed a large-scale protest by lawyers against the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the Judicial Commission meeting scheduled for today.
The demonstration, called by the National Action Committee, saw lawyers from Sindh and other regions gathering outside a private hotel in the capital.
After hours of standoff between police and lawyers, the protesters called off their demonstration and retreated from the protest site, bringing it to an end.
Chanting slogans against the amendment, the protesting lawyers expressed strong opposition, claiming that the amendment is an attack on the judiciary and the state of Pakistan.
The protesters attempted to go from a private hotel to Supreme Court building.
The lawyers marched towards Express Chowk on Embassy Road in the form of a rally.
Clashes
During the demonstration, lawyers attempted to march toward the Supreme Court.
The protesting lawyers removed barricades placed on Srinagar Highway, leading to clashes between them and law enforcement officers.
Police tried to prevent the lawyers from advancing, resulting in a confrontation between the security personnel and the demonstrators.
Amid the protest, lawyers pushed DIG Security Ali Raza as the demonstrators reached Serena Chowk.
The lawyers blocked Srinagar Highway, prompting police to resort to baton charges to disperse the crowd.
To control the situation, police personnel were deployed outside Serena Hotel, prepared to use tear gas to disperse the protestors.
President IHC Bar Association
President of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, Riyat Ali Azad, criticized the government's decision to seal a 27-kilometer area, calling it a testament to the strength of the legal fraternity and a failure of the administration.
He emphasized that lawyers from across Pakistan have gathered in Islamabad to stand for their cause. He stated that their presence on both sides of the Constitution Highway reflects their unity and determination.
Riyat Ali Azad further declared that the ultimate destination of the protest is the Constitution Highway and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, underscoring their commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.
Which routes are open and closed?
Serena Chowk, Nadra Chowk, Marriott, D-Chowk are completely blocked along with the camouflage coming from the Bari Imam shrine. However, the Islamabad administration and Police kept open one gateway to the Red Zone from Margilla Road for the Islamabad Secretariat staffers.
Section 144 has been imposed by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.
Senior lawyer Munir A. Malik stated, "All routes have been blocked to stop our protest. This amendment is a direct assault on the judiciary and the constitution of Pakistan. We have fought for constitutional rights in the past and will continue our struggle."
The situation remains tense as the protest continues, with legal professionals vowing to resist any move they believe undermines judicial independence.
