Lawyers in upper Hazara boycott courts

MANSEHRA: The lawyer fraternity in the Upper parts of Hazara on Monday boycotted court proceedings to seek enhancement of security at the judicial complexes across the division.

“A handcuffed prisoner was killed and lawyers around him escaped unhurt miraculously on the court premises in Havelian, and 35 people were injured when two groups attacked each other here in recent days,” Hafiz Naseem Khan Advocate, the president of the District Bar Association, told reporters here.

On the KP Bar Association’s call, the lawyer community in Mansehra, Oghi, Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan observed a strike. The lawyers boycotted court proceedings against what they said increasing brawls and violent attacks on court premises in the Hazara division. Litigants who had come to appear in cases faced disappointment owing to the boycott of the court proceeding by the lawyers.

“We want foolproof security throughout the division as the lives of lawyers, judges and litigants are at risk because of violent attacks and brawls taking place at court premises in the division,” said Naeem Khan.He said that though police presence was enhanced after attacks in Mansehra and Havelian, more steps were needed for the safety of lawyers and litigants.