Pakistan’s leading legal associations today strongly denounced the alleged misconduct of police at the Quetta Press Club, where officers are accused of attempting to prevent a female advocate from holding a press conference and manhandling journalists.
In a joint statement, the Pakistan Bar Council (Balochistan) and the Balochistan Bar Council condemned the “disgraceful and high-handed conduct” directed towards Nadia Baloch, a practising lawyer.
Ms Baloch had visited the Press Club to conduct a peaceful press conference regarding the deteriorating health of her sister, Dr. Mahrang Baloch.
The statement alleged that instead of facilitating her constitutional right to freedom of speech, police misbehaved with the advocate and attempted to stop her from addressing the media, describing the treatment of a female lawyer as unacceptable and deeply condemnable.
Serious concern was also voiced over the reported manhandling of reporters and members of the Quetta Press Club during the incident. The councils declared that any attempt to intimidate or harass media professionals performing their duties constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.
Highlighting that lawyers and journalists are guardians of constitutional rights, the statement described the use of force against them as a disturbing trend that must be addressed immediately.
The bar councils have demanded a fair, transparent, and impartial inquiry into the entire episode and called for strict action against those responsible to ensure the safety and constitutional rights of all citizens.
The legal fraternity affirmed its commitment to protecting fundamental rights, stating it will not remain silent in the face of such unlawful conduct.