Karachi, May 09, 2026 — The Sindh Bar Council (SBC) has requested the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) to intervene in the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) elections after the latest attempt to conduct the polls failed amid allegations of fake votes, misuse of ballot papers, and physical assaults on election officials. In a letter addressed to the Chairman and Secretary of the Pakistan Bar Council, the SBC noted that the PBC’s earlier order dated April 7, 2026 had directed the Sindh Bar Council to hold the KBA elections strictly in accordance with rules. The SBC pointed out that while the Pakistan Bar Council also upheld the Executive Committee’s earlier order regarding the temporary appointment of an Administrative Committee, the KBA elected body of 2025 repeatedly failed to conduct elections independently. Lawyers’ protests and clashes have historically affected KBA elections, including an incident in 2005 which forced the district judiciary to conduct the polls.
The letter states that the latest attempt, held yesterday, again collapsed due to widespread accusations of rigging and the involvement of organized groups. The SBC reported that both the Election Commissioner, Mr. Abdul Sattar Luhrani, and Additional Commissioner, Mr. Waseem Shah, who are members of the Sindh Bar Council, were physically attacked and accused during the polling process. Videos circulating on social media reportedly show individuals—who had recently apologized to the Pakistan Bar Council—participating in the assault. The letter further alleges that certain groups have access to fake votes and that contract printers, staff, and various stakeholders are working in coordination with particular factions, resulting in widespread manipulation.
The SBC also highlighted that staff members and several lawyers were harassed and abused during the incident, and that despite repeated requests, the judiciary has consistently declined to provide Returning Officers for the KBA polls. Due to the continued disorder and the involvement of what the letter describes as “mafias,” the Sindh Bar Council has urged the Pakistan Bar Council to approach the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan for guidance in securing judicial officers through the Honourable Chief Justice of Sindh to supervise future elections. It also suggested exploring biometric voting systems to ensure transparency. The SBC called for strict action against those responsible for disrupting the electoral process and confirmed that it will be conducting its own inquiry to address the matter. Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.
