SCBA concerned over treatment meted out to detained lawyers

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Saturday expressed concerns over the detention of former federal minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry and demanded immediate release.

The SCBA has already condemned the arrest of Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, advocate, however, numerous other lawyers such as Fawad Ahmed Chaudhary is under prolonged detention, says a press release issued by Syed Ali Imran, Secretary SCBA.

The SCBA asserted that the manner in which detained lawyers, including Fawad Chaudhry, are presented before the courts—handcuffed and with covered faces, is deeply humiliating for the legal fraternity.

Ali Imran said that time and again, this SCBA has asserted that every individual is entitled to be dealt in accordance with law and deserve fair trial as well as dignified treatment under Article-4 read with Article 10, 10-A and 14 of the Constitution.

He said that the SCBA noted with deep concern the escalating harassment against lawyers, preventing them from fulfilling their professional duties.

“These actions, seemingly based on frivolous pretexts, undermines the independence of the Bar and judiciary, hindering lawyers from carrying out their responsibilities without fear or favour,” he added.