Quetta, June 4, 2024- In a bold move to uphold legal integrity, the President of the Balochistan High Court Bar Association, Muhammad Afzal Harifal, has taken a firm stance against alleged unethical practices within the police department. Harifal has sent a formal letter to the Inspector General (IG) of Balochistan, highlighting concerns over the conduct of Station House Officers (SHOs) and investigating officers at various police stations.
According to Harifal, there have been multiple instances where SHOs and investigating officers have exerted undue pressure on clients, causing them to diverge from their legal representation. This issue arises particularly when powers of attorney are sent to police stations for signatures. The SHOs and investigating officers allegedly intimidate clients, compelling them to abandon their lawyers and thereby manipulating the course of investigations.
In his letter, Harifal emphasized the gravity of these actions, describing them as a blatant violation of legal norms and the rights of the clients to fair representation. “Such practices not only undermine the trust in our legal system but also violate the fundamental rights of individuals to seek proper legal counsel,” Harifal stated.
The Balochistan High Court Bar Association has urged the IG Police to initiate an immediate and thorough inquiry into these allegations. Harifal warned that failure to address these concerns would leave the Bar Association with no choice but to file a constitutional petition in the High Court. “We are prepared to take legal action to ensure that such unethical practices are eradicated and that justice is served,” he asserted.
This initiative by the Balochistan High Court Bar Association underscores a critical demand for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. It also highlights the Bar Association’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of lawyers and their clients.
Legal experts and members of the Bar Association have voiced their support for Harifal’s initiative, stressing the importance of maintaining ethical standards within the police force. They believe that an inquiry into these practices is essential for restoring public confidence in both the legal and law enforcement systems.
The IG Balochistan is yet to respond to the letter, but the call for an investigation is expected to resonate strongly within the legal and law enforcement communities. This move sets a precedent for addressing such issues with the seriousness they deserve and reinforces the role of the judiciary in protecting the rights of individuals against misuse of power by authorities.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the response from the police department and the subsequent actions of the Balochistan High Court Bar Association. The legal community anticipates a proactive approach from the authorities to resolve this matter and ensure that justice prevails.
