The legal community in Islamabad expressed strong opposition on Sunday to the transfer of three high court judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and announced a boycott of court proceedings on Monday in protest.
The Islamabad Bar Council, in a unanimous decision, declared a strike to protest the transfer of judges, deeming it a malicious act. The council called on the Supreme Court to have all 16 of its judges deliberate on the 26th amendment through a full court.
The judges—who were transferred from the Lahore High Court (LHC), Sindh High Court (SHC), and Balochistan High Court (BHC)—are scheduled to begin hearing cases starting today. According to the IHC’s schedule, Justice Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro will form the second division bench, while Justice Muhammad Asif will serve on the twelfth bench.
On Sunday, representatives from the Islamabad Bar Council, Islamabad High Court Bar Association, and Islamabad District Bar Association met at the Islamabad Bar Council office. After extensive discussions, they collectively condemned the transfer of judges, calling it a violation of judicial independence and regional representation. They argued that the move undermines the autonomy of the IHC and called for the immediate reversal of the transfers.
The resolution emphasized that the legal community in Islamabad is committed to opposing unjust transfers and appointments of judges from other provinces. The Islamabad Bar Council, along with the other bar associations, vowed to pursue legal and constitutional means to challenge the decision and protect the judicial independence of Islamabad.
Additionally, the legal community demanded that the applications seeking the annulment of the 26th Amendment be heard by a full court of the 16 current Supreme Court judges. They also condemned the Judicial Commission’s decision to hold a meeting on February 10, 2025, to appoint additional judges to the Supreme Court, calling it a blatant attempt to manipulate the court’s composition. The legal fraternity insisted that no appointments should be made until the validity of the 26th Amendment is resolved.
The legal community also voiced strong opposition to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), criticizing it as a tool to suppress free speech and press freedom. They expressed solidarity with journalists and media organizations and called for the immediate repeal of laws that restrict the media.
An All Pakistan Lawyers Convention will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at the District Judicial Complex, G-11/4, Islamabad, to strategize and show solidarity. Lawyers from provincial bar councils, district bar associations, and high court bar associations across the country are invited to join the protest.
In solidarity with the cause, lawyers will observe a strike on Monday in both the District Courts and the Islamabad High Court. The legal community urged others to join the protest in support of their efforts.
The resolution concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Islamabad Bar Council, Islamabad High Court Bar Association, and Islamabad District Bar Association to uphold the rule of law, judicial independence, and constitutional rights. They remain united in their determination to resist unconstitutional measures and protect fundamental rights in Pakistan.
