Title: Constitutional Crisis Deepens in Pakistan as Lawyers Rally Against Army Rule
In a concerning turn of events, Pakistan finds itself in the midst of a constitutional crisis as lawyers across the nation unite in protest against army-backed government and its blatant disregard for court orders. This unprecedented rally by legal professionals highlights the prevailing sense of urgency surrounding the erosion of constitutional principles and the rule of law.
Recent incidents have exacerbated the crisis and raised serious questions about the army’s interference in the affairs of the nation. On March 1, the Pakistan Supreme Court ordered that elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwah provinces be held within 90 days, following the dissolution of the two assemblies in January. However, this order was blatantly ignored and remained unimplemented, further undermining the authority of the judiciary.
Similarly, the Lahore High Court ordered the release of former Chief Minister of Punjab, Parvez Elahi, on September 1, stipulating that no intelligence agency or state institution should arrest him. Shockingly, Elahi was immediately apprehended upon leaving the court premises, in clear defiance of the court’s directive.
The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) called for a convention to address the deepening constitutional crisis. Throughout the convention, speakers passionately voiced their concerns, emphasizing that the rule of law in the country had been practically suspended, despite the absence of a formal declaration by the Chief of Staff, General Asim Munir. They vehemently criticized the army’s encroachment into political matters and its seizure of the country’s economic resources.
Rabia Bajwa Advocate, delivering a speech at the conference, highlighted the increasing militarization of Pakistan, dubbing it a garrison state. Bajwa further asserted that past military rulers had labeled leaders, such as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Prime Minister Hussain Shaheed Suhurwardy, as traitors, and now, even those challenging the status quo, like Imran Khan, face similar accusations. Bajwa strongly believed that the legal community was the only force capable of challenging the power of the army.
Prominent lawyers Sardar Latif Khosa and Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan expressed deep concern about the deteriorating state of the country, warning that Pakistan was gradually descending into a state of lawlessness. They cited troubling incidents such as the disappearance of anchorperson and journalist Imran Riaz Khan, the daylight kidnapping of former Punjab CM Chaudhry Pervez Elahi by unidentified individuals believed to be linked to the Islamabad police, and the arbitrary arrest of political workers.
In a show of solidarity, the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan announced a nationwide strike on September 14. The strike aims to defend and uphold the Constitution, rule of law, and human rights that have been compromised by the current crisis.
As the legal community takes a united stand against the army’s dominant role, the future of Pakistan hangs in the balance. With constitutional principles being challenged and the rule of law under threat, it is crucial for the nation to find a way forward that upholds justice, democracy, and the rights and aspirations of its people.
