Islamabad, February 13, 2020 (PPI-OT):Syed Qalb-e-Hassan, The President Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) showed his grave concern and took serious notice over the recent news published in National Dailies regarding the proposed amendments to be made in Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Act 2019 by incumbent Government in order to rationalize the so-called “Rowdyism” on part of legal fraternity and further threatened to cancel their licenses if found any involvement in protests.
SCBAP is of the view that disciplinary procedures pertaining to lawyers are already envisaged in Legal Practitioner and Bar Councils Act 1973, therefore, any such matter of delinquent lawyers is always dealt in accordance with law on relevant forums (i.e. Bar Councils) as provided in Legal Practitioner and Bar Councils Act 1973. Disciplinary Committee of Pakistan Bar Council (the Regulatory body of Legal Fraternity of Pakistan) is already playing a pivotal role. These disciplinary committees are headed by serving Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and by the Judges of the relevant High Courts at Provincial Bar Councils.
The amendments that have been in consideration by the incumbent government will not by any means serve the purpose of reformation of peaceful environment among the lawyers community rather the same will raise anxiety and apprehensions among lawyers at large. The proposed amendments in Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Act 2019 shall be used against the legal fraternity as a “tool” to suppress their voices and to take away the right of peaceful protests and freedom of expression, the fundamental rights that have been guaranteed in Constitution to every citizen of Pakistan. Therefore, if any such amendment shall be made, Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan would resist the same with full force and would use its forum for the protection of fundamental rights of members of legal fraternity.
SCBAP expects from the people in power to not to interfere in the peaceful running of affairs of the Bar by the representatives elected by the worthy members of the Bar. The Apex institution of the Bar discourages any attempt from any institution to step into the jurisdiction of other institutions for the purpose of curbing the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
For more information, contact:
Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan
Supreme Court, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9215185, 9209390, 9214862
Fax: +92-51-9206247, 9220356
Web: www.scbap.com