LAHORE: A PTI-backed Punjab lawyers’ representative convention on Saturday demanded the formation of a full court to hear petitions challenging the 26th Amendment.

The convention, hosted by the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), also lauded the decision of Justice Umar Sial for not becoming part of the constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court.

The convention was attended by the elected office-bearers of different bar associations from Punjab.

The lawyers unanimously rejected the 26th Amendment, declaring it a violation of the Constitution.

A resolution adopted by the convention said the amendment is a direct assault on judiciary’s powers. It called on political parties to repeal the amendment and restore fundamental rights.

The lawyers pledged to continue their protest until their demands are met.

The convention also condemned the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan and alleged abduction of Shakir Awan.

PTI Senator and former president of Supreme Court Bar Association Hamid Khan criticised the state of the parliament, describing it as filled with ‘puppets’.

He said the lawyers will have to take the lead, saying “We must step forward to protect the Constitution.” He said a few individuals support the government for personal interests, and they forcibly secured votes to achieve their goals.

He said the government had even started targeting lawyers. He demanded cases under Article 6 of the Constitution against the government, parliament, the speaker, and the Senate chairman.

Senior lawyer and PTI MNA Sardar Latif Khosa said the judiciary had been enslaved by the amendment. He attributed the current ‘deteriorated’ state of the judiciary to actions of former chief justice Qazi Faez Isa.

He said the 26th Amendment was passed in a dubious manner despite the lack of a two-thirds majority in parliament. He lamented the oppressive environment, sharing a personal account of how the 16-year-old daughter of his friend, Sadiq Baloch, was abducted.

Mr Khosa alleged that the lights were intentionally turned off at night during PTI protest in Islamabad, protestors were shot at directly, and over 270 people were killed, while many others were left injured. He accused the rulers of attempting to divide Pakistan and KP.

The convention was also addressed by LHCBA President Asad Manzoor Butt and other lawyers’ leaders.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024