Karachi, September 15, 2024 – The Sindh Bar Council has strongly condemned a recently proposed bill in the assembly aimed at overhauling the judicial structure. In a special meeting held today, the Council expressed its vehement opposition to the bill and passed several resolutions in protest.
The bill, which seeks to amend the existing judicial framework, was presented to the assembly amid widespread concern. The Sindh Bar Council, representing the legal community’s collective voice, criticized the bill for its potential to undermine the judicial system and disrupt established legal procedures.
The special meeting was chaired by Mr. Abdul Razzaq Mehr, Chairman of the Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee, and attended by key representatives:
- Mr. Rahab Khan from the Balochistan Bar Council
- Mr. Ahmad Farooq Khattak from the KP Bar Council
- Mr. Imran Ali Bodla from the Punjab Bar Council
During the meeting, the following resolutions were unanimously passed:
- Rejection of Judicial Amendment Bill: The Sindh Bar Council strongly condemned the proposed bill aimed at amending the judicial structure. The bill was criticized for lacking adequate consultation with legal experts and stakeholders.
- Demand for Immediate Notification: The federal government was urged to issue the notification of the current Chief Justice of Pakistan promptly, as previous notifications were issued ahead of time.
- Standardized Retirement Age: The Council called for a uniform retirement age for all government employees, including those in the judiciary, aligning it with civilian retirement policies.
- Ban on Re-appointments: A resolution was passed to ban the re-appointment of all retired employees, including generals, to ensure fresh and unbiased appointments.
- Consultation on Constitutional Amendments: The meeting demanded that any amendments related to the judiciary be discussed with legal representatives and stakeholders before implementation.
- Equitable Resource Distribution: The Council called for fair resource allocation in mineral-extracting areas and prioritized development works, including establishing a motorway network akin to Punjab’s, in backward regions.
- Economic and Citizenship Concerns: The Council expressed concerns over the economic impact of foreign nationals and demanded their expulsion and the withdrawal of illegally granted citizenships.
- Action Against Corruption: A strong demand was made for the disclosure of assets of high-ranking officials and the confiscation of properties involved in corruption to help alleviate the country’s debt.
The Sindh Bar Council’s special meeting underscored its commitment to preserving judicial integrity and ensuring that any significant changes to the judicial system undergo thorough scrutiny and consultation.
