KARACHI — A dramatic rift has erupted inside the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) after the Managing Committee unanimously passed a strongly worded resolution accusing its Honorary Secretary of acting unilaterally, violating by-laws, and attempting to manipulate the upcoming bar elections.
An emergent meeting held on November 19, chaired by SHCBA President Barrister Muhammad Sarfaraz Ali Metlo, condemned the Honorary Secretary for issuing a letter on November 17 calling for a lawyers’ convention on November 22 “without authorization or knowledge of the Managing Committee.”
The Committee declared the move a blatant breach of SHCBA’s constitutional framework, asserting that the Secretary acted “in complete disregard of the by-laws,” undermining the body’s collective authority.
According to the resolution, the Secretary’s unilateral call—ostensibly to discuss the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments—was described as “clearly motivated to be used as an election stunt for himself and his allies.”
With SHCBA elections scheduled for November 29, the Committee argued that any such convention, held mid-campaign, risked politicizing the Association’s institutional platform. The Committee emphasized that the Election Commissioner is fully in charge of all electoral matters and that no committee meeting had been convened to authorize any convention.
In an unusually sharp rebuke, the Managing Committee recalled the Secretary’s letter, officially cancelling the November 22 lawyers’ convention, declaring that “no Lawyers Convention will be held by SHCBA on 22-11-2025.”
The Committee labelled the Secretary’s conduct as “undemocratic, uncalled for, and condemned.”
While criticizing the Secretary, the Committee clarified that it is not opposed to holding conventions on matters of national importance, but insisted they must follow SHCBA procedures. It announced that a properly authorized convention will likely be held in the first week of December, after the elections.
The resolution was signed by President Barrister Metlo, Vice President Muhammad Rahib Lakho, Acting Secretary Waseem Saif Khoso, and the entire Managing Committee, highlighting the depth of unity against the Secretary’s move—and the extent of division within the Bar’s leadership as election day nears.
